WWCOTY Announces Finalists For The Prestigious Woman Of Worth Award 2024

Published: Monday, May 20, 2024, 14:36 [IST]

The Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) juries are set to select the top winner of the Woman of Worth (WOW) award from ten finalists. The result will be announced on 4th June 2024. The WOW Award aims to recognise a woman in the motor industry or motorsport who has made a significant contribution. This year, the nomination process included the automotive industry.

A total of 30 nominations were received and narrowed down to ten finalists by three non-voting jury members. Now, 76 jurors from 53 countries will vote for the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year. They will decide which woman deserves the WOW Award 2024. Last year’s winner was Dr. Astrid Linder of Sweden, known for inventing the female crash test dummy.

Sandy Myhre from New Zealand, founder of Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year, coordinates the WOW Award with help from Sabrina Parant of Belgium. Executive WWCOTY President Marta Garcia stated that the award is an important catalyst to promote women in the automotive industry and motorsport. "We are thrilled the industry has responded so well with so many nominations coming forward this year," she said.

The finalists, listed alphabetically by surname, are:

Lexie Alford - American adventure traveller, USA: At 21 years old, Lexie set the world record for being the youngest person to travel to every country by visiting all 196 countries.
Arlena Amiri - Head of Polestar Operations, Sweden: She created the framework conditions for her team and partners to build a climate-neutral car by 2030.
Jess Bala - Managing Director, GM Australia & New Zealand: She played a central role in Cadillac’s transition to an all-EV brand by the end of the decade.
Marta Blázquez - Faconauto President, Spain: She is the only woman leading an association in the automotive sector.
Claudia Marquez - Chief Operating Officer, Genesis Motor North America: Under her leadership, Genesis has strengthened its position in North America.
Luciana Herrmann - Regional Communications Director, Latam Nissan, Mexico: Luciana has dedicated much of her work in communications to seek equity for women in the automotive industry.
Asako Hoshino - Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor, Japan: Asako acts as brand champion and oversees Global Marketing & Sales, Global Customer Experience, Global INFINITI and Global Aftersales.
Michèle Mouton - First president of FIA's Women & Motorsport, France: The only woman to win a World Rally Championship event and a constant top contender, she redefined expectations for female drivers.
Rachel Somaschini - Rally and Race Driver, Italy: She is the first driver with cystic fibrosis to take part in a World Championship rally.
Angela Zepeda - Chief Marketing Officer of Hyundai Motor America: An expert in marketing to women with a keen understanding of their retail habits.

The Women's Worldwide Car of the Year is unique as it is comprised exclusively of women motoring journalists. Created by New Zealand motoring journalist Sandy Myhre in 2009, it aims to recognise the best cars of the year and give a voice to women in the automotive world. Marta García serves as Executive President while Sandy Myhre holds the title of Honorary President.

The voting criteria are based on principles that guide any driver when choosing a car. 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 are considered when casting votes. Beyond choosing the best cars of the year, WWCOTY aims to give visibility to women in the automotive world and contribute to making women’s voices heard globally. Mobility for a woman means access to many personal and professional possibilities.

The winner announcement on 4th June 2024 will mark another milestone in recognising women's contributions to this dynamic industry.