Crossword Genius

Vehicle manufacturer beginning to combine skill with direction (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cartwright

'vehicle manufacturer' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'beginning to combine skill with direction' is the wordplay.
'beginning to' suggests taking the first letters.
'skill' becomes 'art' (both can mean a talent).
'with' becomes 'w' (abbreviation).
'direction' becomes 'right'.
The initial letter of 'combine' is 'c'.
'c'+'art'+'w'+'right'='CARTWRIGHT'

(Other definitions for cartwright that I've seen before include "invented the power loom?" , "Vehicle manufacturer" , "Maker of wagon" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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