Ford Launches ‘Men's Only Car': Showcases Women’s Significant Role in the World of Cars

Mar 11, 2024 05:25 AM EDT

FORD CAR PARKED ON CITY STREET AT NIGHT — (Photo : PEXELS/ERIK MCLEAN)

Last year, Ford made a bold statement on Women's Day with the launch of the Ford Explorer Men's Only Edition. Narrated by the acclaimed Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston, this advert garnered widespread acclaim from women. It aimed to honor the enduring impact of women in the automotive industry since its inception.

Men's Only Car for Women's Day

This week, Ford released an attention-grabbing advertisement featuring a new Ford Explorer that notably lacks several essential vehicle features pioneered by women in the auto industry. From heaters to windshield wipers and turn signals, the absence of these elements is striking. The advertisement was originally launched last year.

The car, as reported by Lad Bible, is deliberately designed without several crucial features developed by women in the automotive industry, such as heaters, windshield wipers, turn signals, brake lights, and GPS. The ad emphasizes Ford's tribute to the visionary automotive work of women, past, present, and future during Women's History Month. Ford explicitly clarifies at the end of the ad that the vehicle is not actually for sale.

On their website, Ford elaborates that they will spotlight the achievements and contributions of female innovators on Ford.com and across their social media platforms throughout the month to support the campaign.

The company claims that by literally pulling their contributions out, there is a salute to the accomplishments made by women to the automotive industry during Women's History Month. Without heat, not using brake lights. Everyone wouldn't be where they are now or where they're going tomorrow without GPS.

As reported by Business Insider, Ford's recent advertisement highlighted the absence of numerous essential vehicle features pioneered by women in the automotive industry. These encompass a wide range of elements, spanning from heaters and windshield wipers to turn signals and beyond.

Women's Role in Car Industry

The Lad Bible shared Ford's statement that Florence Lawrence invented brake signals. Ford noted that in 1914, it was Florence Lawrence's turn. Turn signal that is. Roads were hazardous back then, particularly when individuals drove too close to one another.

This stage performer and film actress-turned-inventor created turn signal traffic flags, which helped cars behind her know where she was going and when to stop. Additionally, Florence then invented brake signals for the rear bumper, putting her firmly in the driver's seat.

The statement from Ford highlights the significant contributions of women to the development of modern automobiles and underscores the often-overlooked nature of these contributions. It emphasizes the thought-provoking realization that arises when a vehicle is devoid of these essential features.

Ford specifically referenced women such as Stephanie Kwolek, Dr. Gladys West, Florence Lawrence, and others in a press release, acknowledging their pivotal roles in creating functionalities and luxuries integral to daily driving experiences.

According to Business Insider, women make up the majority of car buyers. They have significant influence over the vehicles that are chosen. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics cited by Forbes, women held only 22.4% of management positions in the "transportation, storage, and distribution" sector in 2021. The automobile sector, on the other hand, had a slightly higher percentage of female occupants-27.1%.