Women are now the driving force in cars

WOMEN now account for more than half of all driving licence holders in the USA and the UK is set to follow this example by 2016. Younger women drivers are helping to boost the number of female driving licence holders around the world, but older women drivers are also growing in number.

The number of males applying for a new driving licence has declined in the last three years, but the number of women applying for a driving licence has gone up by 2.5%. Research also shows that women are using their cars more than men and covering a greater overall mileage.

Improved pay and equal employment status in countries around the world, including rapidly developing nations such as Russia and China, account for much of the rise in female driving licence holders.

The study by Frost and Sullivan also shows that women prefer smaller, more nimble cars to the ones chosen by men. Sarwant Singh, who carried out the research, said: ‘When buying a new car, women are practical, but they also tend to associate the purchase with aspirations of freedom and independence. Women prefer small and more manoeuvrable vehicles, but they also give importance to design, spaciousness, safety, quality of materials, colour and sustainability.’

Singh added that an increased number of women drivers will also see a shift in the cars being designed, built and sold. He said: ‘This will mean that all car categories will be more personalised and we will see more customised small city cars. At the same time, there are trends seeing expansion to segments traditionally dominated by men: SUVs and luxury cars.

‘Women like options like park assist, clear lighting for petrol, easy access, integrated systems for mobile devices and entertainment. We are convinced that in a few years women will favour cars with advanced systems such as autonomous driving, digital assistants and other health, wellness and well-being features.’

By Press Association reporters