9 Women Who Drove Change in the Automotive World

The automotive world has been shaped by innovators, pioneers and changemakers, many who happen to be women. In fact, we owe some of the greatest inventions and research to many iconic female leaders in the automotive space.

Their contributions range from early breakthroughs in motoring to groundbreaking research and racing triumphs. As many of you will know, the automotive industry is so extensive, so I've tried to cover as many areas as possible. Of course, there are fantastic women working in the industry today, but for now, let's look at some of the pioneers and trailblazers.

Here are nine incredible women whose stories continue to inspire drivers and enthusiasts everywhere.

Just some of the incredible women trailblazing in the automotive industry

Alongside their male counterparts, women have played a significant role in the development of the car, the industry and the phenomenal technology we have seen developed since.

1. Bertha Benz – the first long-distance driver

In 1888, Bertha Benz made history by taking her husband's, Karl Benz, Patent-Motorwagen on the first recorded long-distance drive. She covered 66 miles all the way to Pforzheim from Mannheim, stopping along the way to refuel and even make roadside repairs. Bertha proved the motorcar was more than just an invention, it was a practical tool that could change everyday life. She even showed its trustworthiness by taking her children on the trip too, driving to visit her mother miles away.

As part of her trip, she had to find fuel, which wasn't as readily available as it is today, and could be purchased from pharmacies. She also had to consider brake pads, car maintenance and ensuring it survived the trip. Despite taking the trip without her husband's knowledge, it actually proved to be a major win for the company. She believed in the work and investment he was doing, so the best way to prove it worked? Drive it!

2. Dorothy Levitt – the original speed queen

Often called “the fastest girl on earth”, Dorothy Levitt was a racing driver and trailblazer in the early 1900s. Prior to her racing days, she worked as a secretary for Selwyn Edge, a known racing fanatic and driver at the turn of the century. It was through his encouragement that she sat behind the wheel of the Napier 100hp and started racing. Some of her iconic racing moments occurred at Brooklands racing circuit in the early 1900s.

She also wrote The Woman and the Car, encouraging women to embrace driving at a time when cars were seen as men’s territory. She quoted two things a woman needed for any driving experience: a small mirror and a revolver. The small mirror was to help drivers see behind them and the revolver was for protection. Her advice on carrying a small mirror for safety is said to have inspired the rear-view mirror.

3. Pippa Mann – breaking barriers in motorsport

Pippa Mann has made a name for herself in the world of IndyCar, becoming one of the few women to compete in the iconic Indianapolis 500, and the first female British driver to race professionally. In 2018, she was unable to qualify, despite having some exceptional karting and racing years previously. But, that didn't stop her. In fact, she made her come back right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, meaning she could race again.

Beyond the track, she’s worked to make motorsport more inclusive and accessible, using her platform to inspire young girls to follow their racing dreams. Through her work in Shift Up Now, and as a mentor to many aspiring drivers, she's one of the many helping to prove that motorsport has no gender and that women can race excellently. In fact, one of her major accomplishments was breaking the 230mph record on the Indy 500 track.

4. Dr Gladys West – mapping the modern world

Without Dr Gladys West, your satnav wouldn’t exist. In fact, she was one of few black women hired as a human computer, basically taking raw satellite data and turning it into a readable format that could be used by the US military. Her pioneering work in the 1970s and 80s helped develop the mathematical models that became the foundation of GPS technology. Every modern driver owes a quiet thanks to her precision and brilliance.

The formulas and algorithm she worked on, helped later develop GPS which we now use heavily, from in-car navigation, to sat-navs, to mobile phone roaming. You could argue that her invention actually propelled technology for the Western world, enabling significant development across a range of industries. Her solution was also the precursor to some important technology, like disaster relief and search and rescue.

5. Astrid Linder – innovating crash safety

Swedish researcher Astrid Linder has been leading the charge in developing crash-test dummies that represent the female body. For decades, safety testing was built around the average male physique. Her work ensures cars are safer for everyone, not just half the population. Unfortunately, crash test dummies don't quite reflect the female body, despite fifth percentile creations being much closer in development.

Astrid's work with her team helped raise awareness of the lack of safety features. In fact, this has lead to further research into car accidents, women's safety and the likelihood of serious injury. Whilst women are universally some of the safest drivers on the road, they are more likely to be injured or killed in car accidents. Raising awareness about limiting engineering design should ensure more enhanced safety features as car manufacturing develops.

6. Sabine Schmitz – the Queen of the Nürburgring

Sabine Schmitz was a legend of the motorsport world. If you mention her name to any motorsport lover, you'll be met only with love and admiration. Known as the “Queen of the Nürburgring”, she became the first woman to win the Nürburgring 24 Hours and went on to entertain and educate millions as a presenter on Top Gear.

Despite her impeccable driving ability and skill, many also remember her for her winning personality and light. For those who shared a taxi ride with her around the circuit, her passengers were wowed by her handling of the BMW M5 and her knowledge of the track. After all, she had completed over 20,000 laps of the famous Nordschleife. Sadly, Sabine is no longer with us but her skill, charisma and humour made her a true icon.

7. Mary Anderson – the woman behind windscreen wipers

In 1903, Mary Anderson patented the first windscreen wiper, a feature we now take for granted. She was the woman responsible for helping us see clearly on wet journeys, meaning our windscreens were free from debri. Her simple but effective invention transformed driving in poor weather and saved countless lives over the years. Now, there are a range of different windscreen wipers available, including miniature ones for your headlights.

8. Denise McCluggage – racer, writer and rule-breaker

Denise McCluggage wasn’t just a talented racing driver, she was also a respected journalist and author. She broke down barriers in a male-dominated industry, using her sharp insight and love of driving to inspire generations of enthusiasts. Her bold character and loud voice inspired many women to start working in the automotive industry. She pioneered for equality in the industry and was responsible for a rise in love of sports cars racing in the US from the late 50s.

9. Michèle Mouton – rallying legend

Michèle Mouton remains one of the greatest rally drivers of all time. In the 1980s she competed in the gruelling World Rally Championship (WRC) for the Audi factory team, winning multiple events and proving women could not just compete, but win at the very highest levels of motorsport. In her racing career, she took four victories and finished runner-up in the driver's world championship in the early 80s.

Driving the future

From inventors and engineers to racers and innovators, these women have paved the way for today’s automotive world. Their stories remind us that progress is driven by those willing to challenge the status quo and take the wheel.

The next generation of automotive pioneers is out there now, learning, experimenting and dreaming big, and that’s something to celebrate.