From prejudice to progress: four stories of women behind the wheel
International Women’s Day is not about celebrating how far we have come. It is about highlighting how far we still have to go. In the automotive industry — one of Europe’s largest sectors — that gap remains stark. Only around 20% of employees in the industry are women. At senior level, that percentage is even lower.
Yet something is shifting. Not rapidly, but perceptibly. In this blog, four women at the forefront of that change share their stories — as a car sales executive, entrepreneur, lorry driver and sales manager.
| Women don’t know anything about cars — it’s all about looks.
Four stories that powerfully dismantle that prejudice.
Milou Hunnekens-Smeets
Purchasing & Marketing — Auto Hunnekens
What struck her immediately? The image. “The automotive industry still carries a certain reputation among many people — slick, arrogant, focused on closing the deal quickly,” she says. “As a woman, you can really make a difference there.” Milou brought warmth, empathy and a strong service ethos to the showroom — qualities that are second nature in hospitality but still underrepresented in the automotive sector.
A true all-rounder, she is involved in a wide range of responsibilities, though her focus lies in purchasing and marketing. It was in purchasing that she proved herself in a way she remains particularly proud of: without formal automotive training or prior experience, she began independently sourcing vehicles across the Dutch border. She secured a brand and model not previously in the company’s portfolio — and tapped into a lucrative new market.
| Don’t overthink it — just do it. You can make a difference with your feminine touch.
At 35, married to Frank, mother of a four-year-old son and expecting a daughter, Milou combines entrepreneurship with a busy family life. Her message to women hesitating about entering the automotive industry? “Anything is possible — as long as you dare.”
Andreea Vulpoiu
Truck driver — Valy Gematour
When she started, the surprise was tangible. Female lorry drivers are rare — and Andreea was well aware of that. But she refused to let it hold her back. “If you are determined and passionate, you can succeed and earn respect, regardless of your gender.” That respect has not been claimed through words, but earned through her work — day after day, journey after journey.
| This has been my dream since childhood. I followed my passion and turned it into my profession.
Alongside courage and perseverance, Andreea brings precision to her work: during loading and unloading, vehicle inspections and damage reporting. She is meticulous by nature. She believes women bring a strong sense of care and attention to detail to the transport sector — qualities the industry should value more explicitly. Her message to women who hesitate: “It’s all possible. Transport offers flexibility and freedom. Have the courage to take this path.”
Laura Manders
Owner — L. Manders Auto's
Laura still handles everything herself: purchasing, sales and customer relations. No intermediaries, no large organisation — just her and her craft. She encounters the reality of operating in a male-dominated world in subtle ways: customers who arrive expecting a male salesperson; letters addressed to “Dear Sir”. Small details, perhaps, but telling ones. She deliberately placed her own photo on the website so customers know exactly who they will meet before stepping inside.
| I don’t know any different — this is simply my profession.
Her clientele consists largely of women, and Laura understands precisely how their purchasing approach can differ. Fewer specifications, more intuition. Greater emphasis on first impressions, atmosphere and trust. “Everything has to be right — from the first photo in the advert to the moment of delivery.” That attention to detail and commitment to the overall experience is her strength — and her response to any lingering prejudice about women in the automotive industry.
Marie Courillon-Havy
TransConnect Key Account Manager South-West France
Twelve years on, she sees a sector in transition. “When I started, it was still heavily male-dominated. Now, what matters most is whether you are professional, driven and determined.” She experiences little resistance as a woman and observes that male colleagues increasingly encourage women to step forward.
| You can be feminine and technically skilled — and excel in complex roles.
Marie wants to challenge the notion that women are unsuited to technical or operational roles in the automotive industry. She demonstrates that women can be strategic, hands-on and empathetic — simultaneously. She also uses social media to amplify that message, sharing her work, perspective and professional journey to inspire others. Visibility, she believes, is the first step towards change.
Four paths. One direction.
Milou, Andreea, Laura and Marie come from different countries, work in diverse roles within the automotive industry and began from very different starting points. Yet they share something fundamental: they did not wait for permission. They followed their ambitions, learned quickly, built credibility independently and are, each in their own way, reshaping the industry.
And still, if only one in five employees in the automotive sector is a woman, it means a vast reservoir of female talent remains untapped.
International Women’s Day reminds us that this can — and must — change. At TransConnect, we believe in an industry where talent is what counts, regardless of who you are.
