Is There a Female-Friendly Car That Still Appeals to Men?

As most women can tell you, driving in high heels is not an easy feat. And where do you put your over-sized purse or laptop bag where it’s still easy to access, even when there’s someone in the passenger seat? These are the concerns that have been raised by those designing cars in an attempt to market to the female demographic while remaining gender-neutral.

In the male-dominated world of cars, manufacturers are slowly and quietly trying to attract women without blatantly calling to attention the female-friendly features. Considering that women make up 52% of all new cars sales in the U.S. and influence more than 85 percent of all car purchases, car designers have slowly stepped up to the. One such vehicle that has made the leap is the 2010 Chevy Equinox, which comes equipped with a center console that’s big enough to carry a laptop or a purse.

Some aspects being considered for change in order to appeal to women without dissuading men include an adjustable tailgate, and colors and material that appeal to both genders. But there are some that are just for the ladies, like a simple tilt of the accelerator and brake pedals that make it easier to drive in high heels.

Another way to bring women into the dealerships was to staff dealerships with more women in sales and technical advice personnel roles. The idea here is to make dealerships more female friendly and develop sales promotions that capture women’s attention.

There have been early – not to mention sexist – attempts at making a women-centric automobile. Back in the mid-1950s, Dodge decided to sell La Femme, the female version of the 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer. Everything about it was pink, and it even came with a matching purse, umbrella and raincoat. And no surprise, fewer than 1,000 were sold.

[Source: The Star]