The automotive industry, like many that have been traditionally been bastions of male leadership, is offering new opportunities for women and finding measurable benefits to diversifying their workforce. Although the automotive industry is perceived as a male industry, women are finally starting to get their voice heard, from auto development to even Nascar racing. Since women directly influence 85% of all car purchases, they are understanding their power in the auto industry, and are taking bigger risks.

The automotive industry has a number of facets to it where gender roles have become less strictly defined. Women can be involved in the designing and manufacturing of the cars, or even on the showrooms. Automotive analyst Lisa Copeland worked in the auto industry for over 25 years, knowing that as a woman, she was a minority. Her experience has changed the way women are perceived in the auto industry, especially since less than 20% of the industry is made up of female workers. She explains that although it is a tough industry, it is a rewarding one.

Being a woman in the auto industry can allow you to make vehicles multi-purpose and more personalized towards the needs of women. For example, adding extras to cars like hooks for purses can be very convenient for the female consumer, while creating more organization and space. According to this video from Fox Business, about 90% of women who go into auto sales leave the auto industry within the first year. Since you have to work various shifts, it can prove more difficult when balanced with family responsibilities. Women can, of course, find success in these roles, but the lack of scheduling flexibility and role models in the auto industry discourages many women to look to these fields early in their careers.

Vehicles That Are Winning With Women

Some of the most popular vehicles with women are the Volvo S40, Nissan Rogue, Volkswagen Beetle and Hyundai Tucson, according to forbes.com. The more expensive cars that women had their eye on in the Fox interview included: Mercedes, Bugatti and Mini Cooper at the New York International Auto Show.

Since women influence 85% of the car purchases, more women need to get involved in the industry and stick with it. Men tend to want more features in cars related to performance, whereas women want to see features with more convenience. Since women make up a huge portion of car sales, they are often getting discouraged by the lack of useful features. Women will generally look for safety, practicality, comfort and even style. Many women will purchase a car to reflect their identity, and use it as a status symbol. Men tend to look for cars based on performance, horsepower, durability, size, and style.

Since women differ vastly from men when it comes to what they want in a car, there should be more options in cars that attract women. Isn’t it time that women get more involved in making cars with features that women would like to have? Women want to feel great in their vehicle but also need more customization and features than a male would in their vehicle. Women can change the way vehicles are customized for other women since there are so many opportunities waiting for them to pursue in the auto industry.