5 Women Who Helped Shape the Automotive Industry

Did you know how women have shaped the automotive industry? Nancy showcases empowered women who have contributed to the advancement of cars today!

Transcript:

Everyone thinks the automotive industry is a man’s world but think again. Women have had an impact not only on the automotive industry’s history but their future. Hi, I’m Nancy at Kneble’s Auto Service Center. The once male-dominated sectors such as automotive, culinary, and directing are transitioning to be more welcoming to women. Not only do women now work in the automotive industry as I do, but ladies have had an impact on the invention of present date technology within vehicles.

We’ve discovered a few interesting facts about women in our history that had made new inventions impacting the use of cars, starting with the beginning of the windshield wipers. Mary Anderson in 1905 created and designed the first manual set of windshield wipers. Then the first set of automatic windshield wipers were created by Jean Jennings Bridgewood in 1917. As well, the first invention of the turn signal and brake lights. They were designed by Florence Lawrence in 1914. She had a stop sign painted on a hinged board that operated by a cable system when applying the brakes. It would pop up on the back of her car. She also used flags that would stick out of her windows when she wanted to turn. Lastly, the first brake linings on brake pads and brake shoes were invented by Bertha Benz, the wife of Karl Benz. Hmm, Benz. That sounds familiar. Karl was the inventor of the Mercedes-Benz.

Oh, well, back to present-day women. I know, I’ve got a friend. Men play a big role too, but women, continue to play a role in the automotive industry. Mary Bauer, is the first chief executive officer of General Motors, making history as one of the first women CEO of a major global automaker. Women continue to strive for new innovations and contributions to society. We’re empowering. Go, women! Now, if you like the video, give it a thumbs-up, and if you want to share the video, hit the share button. If you have any questions or comments, enter them below. I’d be happy to answer them. Thank you for watching. Oh, and come visit us. My daughter and I, we’re in the front. We’d love to see and say hello.