Women who drive the automotive industry

As the world celebrates International Women's Day, we at CarDekho salute these extra ordinary women in the Auto Industry. Overcoming the male dominating society, these women outcast every obstacle to reach their desired place.

Deepa Malik

The name needs no formal introduction. An aspiration to all of us, Deepa Malik is the Arjuna Awardee and has four Limca Book of World Records to her name. In 2009, she was also awarded with 'True Grit Award’ for her performance in Raid De Himalaya. While in September 2013, she started drive of more than 3000kms, to spread the important message of women empowerment and ability over the disability. This epic drive got registered as a world record in the Limca Book of World Records. She also participated in many National and International events of swimming, shotput and javelin throw. This truly showcases her grit and her attitude to face challenges head-on.

Mary Barra

Born on 24th December, 1961, Mary Barra is the first female CEO of General Motors. After completing her graduation, she attended Stanford University to receive a masters degree in Businesses Administration. In India, General Motors sells its product under the brand name of Chevrolet. Mary currently lives in Detroit and apart from managing a billion dollar multinational company, she takes good care of family and loves to cook for her two kids.

Her big promotion of being a CEO at GM comes when she added a purchasing and supply chain to her responsibilities. Her favorite car is Chevrolet Camaro and with the straight vision of “No more crappy cars” has made the company to achieve the all time highest profitable figures.

Danica Patrick

Words fell short to describe this young auto racing driver, model and media spokesperson. Danica is the most successful women in the history of American open-wheel racing. Apart from winning many track races, she also competed in the Nationwide Series of NASCAR. In 2008, Danica become the first and only women to win the 2008 Indy Japan 300 along with finishing third in 2009 Indianapolis 500, which is also a highest finish by any women. At the age of 31, this female driver dreams of becoming fastest car driver, not just the fastest female driver.

Barb J. Samardzich

Ms. Barb J. Samardzich is the woman in power in Ford Europe since November 1 2013, she is holding the post of Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in Ford. Earlier she was the Vice President of Product Development in Ford Europe from September 1, 2011 to November 1, 2013. She is the key person behind the product development strategies in Europe and she also leads the Global Vehicle Engineering, NVH, and Vehicle Evaluation/Verification teams across the globe. Until December 31, 2010 she served as VP of powertrain operations – Europe and earlier as VP for powertrain – America. She was the Chief engineer for AT department from January 2000 to October 2002. She also served at various positions for powertrain division in Ford from 1990-1998. Before Ford, she handled various engineering, sales and marketing posts at Commercial Nuclear Fuel Division of Westinghouse Electric Corporation between 1981-1990.

Elena Ford

Elena Ford, the great great grand daughter of the man behind the 'blue oval', Ford company. She is the grand daughter of Henry Ford II, her father is Charlotte Ford and she heirs the Ford Motor Company Corporations worldwide. She became the VP of the company on march 1, 2013 and is running the fortune along with thirty eight other members. She is first female in her entire clan to hold significant positions in their valuable asset. Right now she handles marketing, sales support and product management across the globe for Ford Motor Company.