BEHIND THE WHEEL: Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year and why women’s car buying decisions matter

As many readers of my travel and auto-related articles are aware, I have been doing this for many years.

It was an honor to be one of the first female auto writers in the United States to be asked to join Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year.

Through that alliance I visited Korea on a trip in which members of WWCOTY including myself met with the Hyundai group in that country to present the “Best” award.

Since that time WWCOTY has taken so many positive turns and now tout a presence on five continents with 49 female judges from 39 countries who vote each year for the best car of the year from their professional point of view.

And it truly is women who make the decision for cars that might be considered “family” but often range from a two-door convertible to a necessary utility van.

The awards given out each year in each of the auto categories by WWCOTY are unique awards aiming to recognize the “best” while also giving a voice to women in the automotive world. The voting criteria are based on the same principles that guide any driver when choosing a car. The jurors do not select a ‘woman’s car’ because cars are not gender specific. Aspects such as safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, benefits and environmental footprint, among others, are considered when casting the votes.

However, beyond choosing the best cars of the year, WWCOTY’s goal is also to give visibility to women in the automotive world and to contribute to making women’s voices heard on all continents because mobility for a woman means access to many personal and professional possibilities. 

And I wonder what is the future of the “woman” since I read just today about yet another faux paus at the Olympics when a female boxer decided to bow out because she could not beat a female opponent who was clearly a man from Algeria.

According to some women they are beginning to feel overlooked. 

No way, our voices are too important.

And that is why WOMEN’S WORLDWIDE CAR OF THE YEAR is so important.

Sometimes people asked, “why Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year,” why specifically women?

Indeed, there are simple and important elements that Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year has found to be impactful. 

• WWCOTY intends to change the status quo and believes in women’s spirit, and their specific focus on cars and rights. 

• Significant value also means equal representation. The voice of women should be heard. Women play an important role in the purchase of a car, not just for themselves in significant numbers but as influencers in family car buying decisions. 

• Women offer a different approach and focus on cars. Women looks at cars differently. They are more oriented towards aspects such as safety, quality, price, design, ease of driving, benefits and environmental footprint. 

“Our common goal is not to choose the best car for women, but to attract their attention as to our collective opinion,” said WWCOTY Executive President Marta Garcia.

So next time you are thinking about buying a vehicle, be sure you get a woman’s opinion too.