A woman only has two questions in her life: "What should I cook today, and what should I wear?" A typical commercial airing on various channels in the 1960s. But Bertha Benz, Camille du Gast, Monisha Kaltenborn, and many other women defied this image and made significant contributions not only to society but also to male-dominated industries such as the automotive sector.
1888 – The success story of Mercedes-Benz begins with Mrs. Benz!
At the end of the 19th century, the automobile faced much criticism. Gas-powered and autonomous carriages were considered too dangerous for everyday use. Carl Benz, the inventor of the first automobile, was on the verge of bankruptcy. His idea was perfect, but society was too skeptical. Bertha Benz, his wife, decided to take a road trip of over 100 km to prove that "even a woman" could easily travel long distances. Her journey laid the foundation for the acceptance of automobiles.
1901 – More safety for race car drivers
Shortly after Carl Benz's success, the first racing models emerged. Camille du Gast, a pioneer in motorsport safety, was one of the first women to participate in the Paris-Berlin race in 1901. Later, she used her skills and influence to advocate for greater investment in driver safety.
1927 – "Travel around the world? Why not!"
Twenty years later, another pioneer followed. Inspired by the “Race to Death,” where Camille du Gast saved a competitor's life, German driver Clärenore Stinnes wanted to follow in her footsteps. In just two years, she became the first person to travel around the world by car. She not only demonstrated what automobiles were capable of but also inspired many other women to enter the automotive industry.
1981 – Women can win rally races too!
By the late 20th century, women driving cars had become more common. But what truly astonished people was Michèle Mouton. She became the first woman to win a race in one of the most challenging motorsport categories: rally racing. In 1981, during the San Remo World Rally Championship, a woman won for the first time. This milestone inspired future female leaders like Monisha Kaltenborn and Linda Jackson.
From 2012 – Women in motorsport and as CEOs
For the first time in Formula 1 history, a woman became a team principal in 2012. Until 2017, Monisha Kaltenborn opened doors for other women at Sauber and across the industry.
In 2014, Citroën appointed a female CEO for the first time, and in 2021, she also took over as the CEO of Peugeot. Linda Jackson undeniably set a milestone in market strategy and brand modernization.
2018 – Leasing, buying, or staying flexible?
The world moves faster today than it did 100 years ago when the foundations of the industry were laid. Leasing emerged as a way to make cars accessible to all income levels. However, leasing also comes with limitations: fixed terms, mileage restrictions, expensive insurance, and the need to buy summer and winter tires.
Léa Miggiano set a milestone with Carvolution: Switzerland’s first car subscription! Flexible, affordable, and always tailored to customers' needs. Carvolution offers over 50 modern models and brands, providing a simple, time-saving alternative to traditional car financing. Discover all the benefits here.
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