Gender gap in auto industry

Adel Murad

GM is distinguished among major carmakers in having a woman CEO. In Europe, when German manufacturers hold their annual meetings, the familiar sight is one of seven men on the podium talking about their efforts in “diversity and gender equality” in their companies.
The only exception in Europe is in France where Linda Jackson has been leading Citroen successfully. She is one of the highest-ranking women in the European auto industry.
A survey of 350 executives held at 50 auto companies found that although executives recognize a need to diversify in their companies, challenges remain in getting there. In fact 90 percent of auto companies said they need to change how they attract and retain women, but only 10 percent said they do a good job of bringing women aboard.
Only 50 percent of companies were found to measure gender diversity.
The survey indicates that the auto industry might have a tougher time than other sectors in addressing the gender gap because of the industry cyclical nature.
Programs focused on addressing the gap receive more attention during good years but tend to be ignored during downturns.
The industry is blamed for not giving enough attention to needs of modern women in cars, although women form about 40 percent of potential customers. What most companies offer at the moment is what men think women need in a car.
There is no doubt that car companies should make more efforts to attract female talents and open their glass-ceilings for promoting them.
While companies complain that most women are not attracted to engineering than men, not all male senior executives are from engineering backgrounds.
To promote and encourage women is good for companies — not only for their worldwide image but also for giving their customers of both genders good and equitable service.
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Adel Murad is a senior motoring and business journalist, based in London.
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