Female Icons in the Automotive Industry
Since it is Womens Month, why not highlight the incredible and female icons who have made a name for themselves in the automotive industry? Lets take a closer look at some of these influential women.
Bertha Benz
Many believed that engineer Karl Benz took full credit for bringing the first automobile to life back in 1886. This was actually a joint effort between Karl and his wife, Bertha Benz. They were partners, with Bertha taking full control of the business side of the venture and providing the majority of the initial funding. She drove 66 miles across Germany, which was a pivotal move in gaining public attention to the invention.
Margaret Wilcox
Without her, you wouldn’t be warm and comfortable in your car with the heater on during winter. In 1893, she routed hot air from the engine compartment into the car, forming the basis for modern heating systems.
Helene Rother
This remarkable lady was one of the very first females to work as an automotive designer. She designed many interiors for the Nash-brand vehicles. She inspired many through her way of transforming the basic interiors into designs that were more elegant and user-friendly.
Mary Anderson
If you own a car, you know the important role that windshield wipers play in clearing your vision on a rainy day. Mary created her very own window cleaning device which was used from inside the car and used a handle to clean the windshield.
Denise McCluggage
Denise began in the automotive industry as a race car driver, winning multiple first-place trophies at famous motorsports venues. Later, she edited Americas first motorsports weekly, called Competition Press, using her journalism experience. It is safe to say that she was born with fuel running through her veins!
Lisa Drake
Lisa acquired an impressive engineering degree and has worked for Ford in their e Global Hybrid and Electric Vehicle department as chief engineer. She has held many other high level positions in the company and continues to make waves in the world of electric vehicles.
Mary Barra
Mary is by far one of the most influential women in the entire world, and owns the title of Chair and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, and started there in 2014. She has played a huge role in helping the brand move towards a zero-emissions future. She is also the first woman to head one of Americas Big Three auto companies. Very impressive!
There are millions of other women making history in the automotive industry, and we cannot wait to hear their stories in the future. The female icons for the win!
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