When most people picture the history of the automotive industry, the images that come to mind are often men in factories, mechanics under the hood, or executives in boardrooms. But the truth is, women have been shaping the story of cars since the very beginning. From inventing key safety features to breaking barriers in leadership, women’s influence runs deeper than most people realize.
At Mission Auto Repair, this history matters to us because we’re proud to be a women-led business today. Our co-owner works alongside Brad to help shape the family-run business you know here in Winchester, and our women team members help keep daily operations running smoothly. We also partner with The CEO Woman, an organization dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in business. That tradition of leadership, consistency, and care echoes the long legacy of women who have helped build, and continue to transform, the auto industry.
Early Pioneers: Laying the Foundation
The story begins in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when women were already demonstrating vision and innovation.
- Bertha Benz: In 1888, Bertha Benz – the wife of Karl Benz, inventor of the first automobile, made history by driving 66 miles across Germany with her two sons. This was the first long-distance journey in an automobile, proving that the vehicle could be practical for everyday use. Bertha also stopped to purchase fuel and troubleshoot mechanical issues, making her both the first driver and the first roadside mechanic.
- Margaret Wilcox: In 1893, Wilcox designed one of the first heating systems for cars. Her idea to redirect hot air from the engine into the cabin laid the groundwork for the modern HVAC systems we depend on today.
- Florence Lawrence: Often called the “first movie star,” Lawrence was also an inventor. She designed an early version of the turn signal and a mechanical brake signal; two features we now consider essential for safety.
- Alice Huyler Ramsey: In 1909, Ramsey became the first woman to drive across the United States. Along the way, she personally handled nearly every mechanical repair, from replacing tires to fixing spark plugs. Her 3,800-mile trip demonstrated women’s resilience and technical skill behind the wheel.
These pioneers weren’t just passengers in history; they were drivers and creators who proved that women belonged in the automotive conversation.
Shaping Design and Usability
As cars became more widespread, women also influenced how they looked and felt.
- Helene Rother: In the 1940s, Rother became the first female automotive designer in Detroit. She worked for General Motors, where she helped shape stylish, comfortable interiors that made cars more appealing to everyday families. Her work proved that functionality and beauty could coexist.
This focus on usability, comfort, and design continues to be seen today in everything from dashboard layouts to ergonomic seating.
Leadership in Modern Times
Fast forward to today, and women hold some of the most powerful positions in the industry:
- Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, became the first woman to lead a major global automaker. She has been instrumental in GM’s shift toward electric vehicles and safety-first innovation. -> lincolntech.edu
- Countless women engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs are now shaping areas like autonomous driving, hybrid technology, and advanced safety features. Christina Lampe-Önnerud, for instance, is developing safer, more efficient EV batteries at her company Cadenza Innovation.
These leaders remind us that women’s contributions are not confined to the past, they’re driving the future of mobility.
Why This History Matters for Mission Auto Repair
So what does all of this mean for us here in Winchester?
At Mission Auto Repair, we see ourselves as part of this long line of women making an impact in the automotive world. Our co-owner helps lead our shop with the same spirit of innovation, resilience, and care that Bertha Benz and Florence Lawrence embodied over a century ago. The women on our team, like Grace – who our customers regularly praise for her honesty and helpfulness – carry forward that tradition of excellence in everyday service.
When we say Mission Auto Repair is women-led, we’re not just talking about titles. We’re talking about the way leadership shapes every customer experience: honest communication, practical solutions, and an unwavering focus on keeping families safe on the road.
Bringing It Back to You
This October, during National Women in Business Month, we celebrate not just the women who built this industry, but the women who continue to shape it every day right here in Winchester.
And while it’s inspiring to look back at history, we’re also looking forward: making sure your car is ready for the season ahead. From heating and batteries to tires and inspections, we’re here to prepare your vehicle for whatever fall brings.
👉 Schedule your service today at https://missionautorepairshop.com/.
Because when you choose Mission Auto Repair, you’re not just getting a service—you’re joining a story of women who’ve been driving the industry forward for generations.