Most Influential Women In The Auto Industry—A Tribute On International Women’s Day

The automotive industry has often been viewed as a male-dominated field. However, women have played a crucial role in shaping its history, innovation and culture. From the earliest days of the automobile to modern boardrooms and international racing circuits, women have helped push the industry forward through bold ideas, leadership and determination.

Some were pioneers who proved the practicality of the first automobiles. Others became motorsport legends who competed at the highest level. Today, women also lead major automotive brands and help shape the future of mobility. On International Women’s Day, it is important to recognise the achievements of women whose work has left a lasting mark on the automotive world.

Here are some of the most influential women in the auto industry, whose contributions continue to inspire the next generation.

Mary Barra

Mary Barra is one of the most influential leaders in the modern automotive industry. As the Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, she became the first woman to lead a major global car manufacturer.

Barra joined General Motors in 1980 as a co-op engineering student and steadily rose through the company’s ranks. Over the decades, she held various leadership roles in engineering, product development and manufacturing before being appointed CEO in 2014.

Under her leadership, General Motors has undergone a major transformation. Barra has pushed the company toward an electric and autonomous future, focusing heavily on electric vehicles, battery technology and software-driven mobility. GM has introduced several new electric platforms and has committed billions of dollars to electrification.

Barra is widely respected for her strategic vision, leadership style and ability to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing automotive landscape. Her success has helped redefine what leadership looks like in the global car industry.

Bertha Benz

Bertha Benz is often recognised as the first person to complete a long-distance journey in an automobile, making her one of the most important figures in automotive history.

In 1888, she secretly took the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, designed by her husband Karl Benz, and drove from Mannheim to Pforzheim in Germany, covering about 106 kilometres for the round trip.

The journey proved that the automobile was practical for everyday travel. During the trip, Bertha solved several mechanical issues along the way, effectively inventing the first brake lining and performing the world’s first roadside repairs.

Her journey also served as the first real demonstration of the automobile to the public. Without Bertha Benz’s courage and determination, the early automobile might have struggled to gain acceptance as a practical form of transport.

Clärenore Stinnes

Clärenore Stinnes made history by completing one of the most ambitious road journeys ever attempted.

Between 1927 and 1929, Stinnes became the first woman to drive around the world. Her expedition covered nearly 47,000 kilometres across 23 countries using an Adler Standard 6.

At a time when roads were poorly developed and global travel was extremely difficult, Stinnes’ journey was both adventurous and technically demanding. She travelled through Europe, the Soviet Union, Asia and the Americas while documenting the trip.

Her expedition demonstrated the durability and reliability of automobiles in extreme conditions. More importantly, it challenged social expectations of women during the early twentieth century, proving that women could undertake major automotive adventures and achievements.

Michèle Mouton

Michèle Mouton is widely regarded as the most successful woman in the history of rally racing.

During the early 1980s, she competed in the World Rally Championship driving the legendary Audi Quattro.

Mouton achieved four WRC victories and finished runner-up in the 1982 championship, narrowly missing out on the title. Her aggressive driving style and ability to compete with the best drivers in the world earned her immense respect in motorsport.

In 1985, she also won the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, setting a record time. Her achievements proved that women could compete at the very highest levels of motorsport during one of rally racing’s most competitive eras.

Amna & Hamda Al Qubaisi

Amna Al Qubaisi and Hamda Al Qubaisi are two of the most promising young talents in international motorsport.

The sisters from the United Arab Emirates have become important role models for women in motorsport across the Middle East. Amna made history as the first Emirati female racing driver to compete internationally, while Hamda quickly followed with strong results in junior racing categories.

Both drivers have competed in Formula racing championships such as Formula 4 and Formula Regional.

Their success highlights the rapid growth of motorsport talent in the UAE and reflects a broader shift in the region, where more women are entering professional racing. The Al Qubaisi sisters continue to inspire young drivers and promote greater female participation in motorsport.

Rabab Al Tajir

Rabab Al Tajir is another prominent female motorsport figure from the UAE who has helped raise the profile of women in regional racing.

She began her motorsport journey through karting and gradually progressed into competitive racing events. Her participation in regional championships has helped encourage more women to explore motorsport as a professional path.

Al Tajir represents a growing movement in the Middle East where female drivers are gaining recognition and competing alongside international talent. Her presence in racing highlights the expanding opportunities for women within the sport.

As motorsport programmes and racing academies continue to develop in the region, drivers like Rabab Al Tajir are playing an important role in inspiring the next generation.

Nora Al Jassasi

Nora Al Jassasi is one of the rising figures in Middle Eastern rally racing.

Representing Oman in regional competitions, she has gained attention for her skill in rally driving, a discipline widely considered one of the most demanding forms of motorsport.

Rally racing requires exceptional car control, endurance and teamwork between driver and co-driver. Al Jassasi’s participation in the sport reflects the growing number of women entering rally championships across the Gulf region.

Her success demonstrates how motorsport in the Middle East is evolving, with increasing opportunities for female drivers in both circuit racing and rally events.

Camille du Gast

Camille du Gast was one of the earliest female motorsport competitors in history.

In the early 1900s, when the automobile was still a relatively new invention, du Gast competed in major international races. One of her most notable appearances was in the 1903 Paris–Madrid race, one of the most dangerous events of its time.

Beyond racing, du Gast was also an adventurer and advocate for women’s rights. Her willingness to compete in early motorsport events challenged traditional views about women’s roles in society.

Her participation helped lay the groundwork for future generations of female racing drivers, making her one of the earliest pioneers of women in motorsport.

Linda Jackson

Linda Jackson is a key figure in modern automotive leadership. She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Peugeot, part of the global automotive group Stellantis.

Before leading Peugeot, Jackson served as CEO of Citroën, where she played a major role in transforming the brand’s identity and strengthening its product lineup.

At Peugeot, she has overseen the brand’s transition toward electrified vehicles and modern design philosophy. Her leadership has helped the company strengthen its presence in global markets while maintaining Peugeot’s distinctive character.

Jackson’s influence extends beyond Peugeot, as she represents a growing number of women holding senior leadership roles within the global automotive industry.

Sabine Schmitz

Sabine Schmitz was one of the most beloved personalities in motorsport and a legendary figure associated with the famous Nürburgring.

Known as the “Queen of the Nürburgring,” Schmitz was famous for her incredible knowledge of the challenging Nordschleife circuit. She won the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race twice, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat.

Schmitz also gained global recognition through her appearances on the popular motoring television show Top Gear. Her energetic personality and deep understanding of performance driving made her a fan favourite.

Her legacy continues to inspire motorsport enthusiasts around the world, especially those who dream of mastering the Nürburgring.

Susie Wolff

Susie Wolff has made a major impact on motorsport both as a driver and as an industry leader.

She competed in professional racing series such as DTM before becoming a test driver for the Williams F1 Team. In 2014, she became one of the few women to participate in a Formula One race weekend session.

After retiring from driving, Wolff shifted her focus toward improving opportunities for women in motorsport. She founded the Dare To Be Different initiative, which aims to encourage young girls to pursue careers in racing and automotive engineering.

She currently serves as the Managing Director of the F1 Academy, a championship dedicated to developing female racing talent and creating a pathway to higher levels of motorsport.

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