A new report has revealed the nation’s view of the automotive industry and uncovered some interesting insights.
The key findings of the new study from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts are:
- 1 in 3 women would never consider working in the auto industry
- 80% of men would consider a career in the auto industry
- 62% of women feel uncomfortable visiting a car garage alone
- 27% of women in the UK believe mechanics treat men and women differently
- 71% of women say they are not confident drivers
In 2023, SMMT News committed to the ‘30 by 30’ action*, aiming to ensure that 30% of those working in the auto industry by 2030 would be female – this figure currently stands at under 20%.
However, a new study by Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has revealed that 1 in 3 women would never consider a career in the male-dominated auto industry, compared to 80% of men who would.
Shockingly, the new study also found that 62% of women would feel uncomfortable visiting a car garage alone in 2024. So how does the industry aim to convince women of a venture into the auto world and why are women so opposed to starting a career within the auto industry?
Image: Nationwide Vehicle Contracts
To fully grasp how women are feeling about the automotive industry, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts surveyed 2,000 Brits to uncover how people view the business as a whole.
The data highlighted that the problem may be starting from the car garage experience, with many women experiencing embarrassment. 27% of women in the UK believe mechanics treat men and women differently due to their gender – 1 in 4 also said they know someone who has experienced sexism when driving or at a car garage.
The research also indicated women seem to be experiencing more than just sexism or embarrassment at car garages, they are also afraid they might be overcharged, with 1 in 3 women admitting to paying for auto repairs without understanding what they’re paying for.
However, when it comes to driving in general, 71% of women lack confidence in their driving abilities and would not consider themselves to be a strong driver.
All of these factors indicate the overwhelming presence of inequality within the driving space in the UK, explaining the large majority of women in the UK who would not want to work in the auto sector, but to achieve ‘30 by 30’, what can be done to make the change?
Many British automotive businesses are committed to the ‘30 by 30’ initiative, aiming to enhance gender diversity across all roles and levels. Despite this pledge, according to the DfT’s Domestic Road Freight Statistics 2020 report, 99% of HGV drivers in the UK are men, and just 1% are women.
For the sector to succeed in this endeavour and guarantee that it becomes more inclusive by 2030, women need to feel secure and equal in order for them to pursue careers in the industry.
The movement will not only benefit women, to be able to pursue their desired career path but will also hugely benefit the future of the automotive industry. “It’s particularly critical for the auto sector to have more women in leadership because women buy 62% of vehicles today and influence 85% of car buying decisions’’(Joan Michelson, Forbes).
However, with many women’s fear of the auto industry beginning in the car garage due to bad experiences, it’s vital that garages across the country address this issue head-on.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts discussed the issue with a spokesperson at M.R. King & Sons to uncover how they ensure inclusivity for both women and men having contact with the company:
- Online booking forms and WhatsApp booking options are available
If people would rather not speak to a car garage, having multiple booking options is a great step. We offer an online booking form, as well as WhatsApp booking, so customers can choose the way they would rather communicate with us. - Sit them down and talk through each cost in detail
To make sure customers understand all costs, we break down each piece of work in detail to ensure everyone is aware of the work being undertaken and not blindly agreeing to repairs they don’t understand. - If the car fails its MOT, we will give them an idea of the costs beforehand
It’s important to make sure customers are aware of costs before work is carried out on the car. We always give an idea of cost so the customer knows exactly what they could be paying for the work needed – this helps to avoid any surprises and makes sure everyone is happy and comfortable.
