Figures show more women at the wheel

Date published: 03/01/2008

Carcraft Rochdale believe there is a growing emergence of 'girl racers' according to latest sale figures. According to the Rochdale-based used car dealers, in 2007 women in the 17-25 age group were the fastest growing market for high-spec cars such as BMWs and Audis. Sales increased by 42% for women in this age bracket, compared to 18% for men.

Carcraft believe that young women are now seeking to match their male counterparts. General manager Howard Ryder said:  "This growth may surprise many people as men have traditionally been the gender most interested in cars. However, we are seeing an increasing number of female customers who are very knowledgeable and passionate about the car they drive and want to have something that makes them stand out from the crowd."

This growing trend is being reflected online with the growth of websites dedicated to female motoring enthusiasts. One such site has seen a dramatic increase in traffic from female petrolheads over the last couple of years. Gary Wood, founder of girlracer.co.uk, said: "When we launched the website seven years ago, there were no other sites like it and the response we had was overwhelming.

"Now we get thousands of hits a day from female drivers and even events such as the London Motorsport show, which we supported, have areas dedicated solely to women who are interested in motoring and motorsport."

Carcraft sales advisers are also seeing evidence of the changing market at their showrooms. Mr Ryder added: "Manufacturers have spotted this trend and are now bringing out cars and special editions aimed squarely at the female market.

"We are seeing increasing interest from our young female customers in models such as the BMW Z4, the Vauxhall Tigra Sport and the Audi A3."