It’s 2016. And according to Barnebys a Swedish-owned company, the man’s world of supercars is not a man’s world any longer.

Barnebys has 1600 auction houses under its aegis and has been tracking the gender change in the supercar industry. The sea change began with Anna Maria Peduzzi,Ferrari’s first female driver, according to Barnebys.

In 2012, driver Susie Wolff joined Williams Formula One as a test driver and in 2014 became the first woman to take part in a Formula One race weekend since 1992. Also, in 2012 Sauber made Monisha Kaltenborn the first principal of an F1 company. As CEO she owns 33.3 percent of the Swiss F1 team. The new Acura NSX, meant to be a Ferrari fighter, was designed by 34-year-old Michelle Christensen.

Kudos to those women leading the way in super car racing and in the super car industry. We should celebrate their successes and keep looking to the future.

But what does that mean in real time?  I think it means that the sport of F1 racing is a sport for all people and not just men. I also think the next big step needs to come and that step is women competitors in the F1 race weekend. While Susue Wolff’s “participation” is lauded, how come she never got to compete? Isn’t that why she retired anyway?

The news about women in the super car industry also translates to the auto industry as a whole. For one, look at Mary Barra, GM’s CEO. She’s guided GM during some pretty troublesome times. Also, women have most of the buying power in the modern American family and marketers don’t focus enough of their their attention to women buyers. Not correctly, anyway.

Think about it.  When was the last time you saw an ad for a new muscle car? Who was driving? Don’t misunderstand me, I am not about to go on a feminist tirade about the injustices white men have perpetrated on women. That’s just not my style.

But I do think that not all women want minivans and a cargo nets and soccer practices just like not all men know about and want more horsepower and better handling. Just some food for thought. 

My Final Thought:

We the people can still affect change.  Case in point.

A reporter, Google maps, and open data policies uncovered a bit of a mistake in New York City. NYPD officers were illegally ticketing legally parked residents. After analyzing the data and informing the city government—wait for it—the city agreed its officers issued invalid tickets and is refunding the money to its citizens.

Faith in government slightly restored. Now if only other city, state and federal government agencies were so obliging.

Lauren Fix, The Car Coach® is a nationally recognized automotive expert, media guest, journalist, author, keynote speaker and television host. Post your comments on Twitter: @LaurenFix or on her Facebook Page. To read more of her blogs, CLICK HERE NOW.