The deadline is approaching to nominate leaders for Autocar’s Great Women 2026 awards, an annual event recognizing high-achieving women in the automotive industry. The awards, supported by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and several major sponsors, highlight the influence of women across all levels of the sector.
Recognizing Industry Leaders
This year’s event, taking place April 16th at Stellantis UK headquarters, will reveal the Top 100 most influential women, as selected by Autocar’s judges. Categories include senior roles in marketing, retail, vehicle development, manufacturing, and a dedicated section for rising apprentices.
The initiative has been running since 2016, alternating between recognizing established leaders and up-and-coming talent. Previous winners have included prominent figures such as Alison Jones (Stellantis), Linda Jackson (Peugeot), and Lisa Brankin (Ford).
Why This Matters
The automotive industry historically has been male-dominated. Awards like Autocar’s Great Women are crucial for visibility and representation : they make female leaders more prominent, inspire the next generation, and drive progress toward a more balanced sector.
The event also provides networking and debate opportunities, with keynote speakers and panel discussions planned alongside the awards ceremony.
How to Participate
Nominations close February 20th. The ceremony is open to industry members on a first-come, first-served basis, though spaces are limited.
“Now in its 11th year, Autocar Great Women continues to shine a spotlight on the enormous number of talented women in our automotive industry,” said Rachael Prasher, managing director of Haymarket Automotive.
To submit a nomination or inquire about the event, contact [email protected]. Sponsors for 2026 include Bentley, Keyloop, Nissan, NTT Data, SMMT, Stellantis, and Volvo.
