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Frequently readers inquire as to what features
have been designed for cars specifically to meet the needs of the woman driver. Many
features have been implemented that impact women and it is a good start. However, there is
room for improvement. Most of the changes made to cars to make them more functional and
comfortable to women are modifications to existing systems -- not whole new features.
Automakers are putting more convenience features into vehicles because women expect them.
Women tend not buy into the idea that cars have feature packages, which include features
the purchaser does not want in order to get the desired features. Automakers are therefore
reducing the number of versions of vehicles marketed, making them easier to purchase. This
is in part due to women buying more cars while preferring not to haggle over each and
every little feature to be included.
Some important vehicle changes for the women's market include:
- Electric Pedal Extenders in the current Fords. These will be available throughout the
product line over the next few years. They help shorter stature drivers sit far enough
away from the steering column for the airbags to deploy properly. Ford is doing extremely
well with this feature. It is very popular.
- Gentler liftgate -- so the person operating it doesn't get hit in the chin when opening
the liftgate or whack themselves on the nose when closing it.
- Height adjustable seats to facilitate drivers of differing sizes and weights.
- Higher quality interior materials and textures. Women learn early to determine quality
by feel. Some automakers have realized the negative subliminal effect of poor quality
fabrics, leather, vinyl and plastics. Women touch everything when shopping -- that's part
of how a woman decides if the vehicle has a comfortable level of quality, fit and finish.
- Buttons, knobs, levers and handles designed for smaller, more sensitive fingers and
hands. Long nails are not as likely to get caught in things.
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