7 automotive innovations we can thank women for

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 03. 05. 09:06

About 100 years ago, driving became a symbol of women’s equality, as the mobility offered by cars also provided women with a new kind of independence. The opportunity to drive also meant that women could work and travel more freely. Many were inspired by driving to make driving more comfortable and safer. When we get into the car and turn on the heater, windshield wipers or GPS, or when we index before a bend, it’s good to know: these and many other automotive innovations can be thanked by women.

On the occasion of Women’s Day, in honor of women’s equality and the female gender, Ayvens Hungary has collected seven outstanding automotive innovations that were designed or perfected by women.

1. Windshield Wipers

During a trip to New York in 1902, Mary Anderson noticed that trolley drivers would stop to get out and clear the windows of rain and snow. This gave her the idea to create a device that performed the same function, but could be operated from inside the vehicle. In 1903, Mary Anderson patented a hand lever that activated a device that moved back and forth on the windshield – thus becoming the first version of the windshield wiper.

Later, in 1917, Charlotte Bridgwood patented the first automatic version of the windshield wiper, which was now powered by an electric mechanism. Although her invention was not an immediate success, it laid the foundation for the development of modern windshield wiper systems, which are now standard equipment in all cars.

2. Car Heater

Margaret Wilcox was one of the few female mechanical engineers of her time. In 1893, he patented a design that directed hot air from the engine through a vent into the interior of the vehicle to keep the driver and passengers warm—the first car heater. Although the design has been redesigned several times since then, it provided the basis for the heating systems found in today’s vehicles.

3. Turn Signal

Florence Lawrence, a silent film star, was driven by her passion for driving to develop the first automatic turn signal system. The arms she designed at the back of the car signaled the driver’s intentions and were the forerunners of modern turn signals. Interestingly, Florence Lawrence was the daughter of Charlotte Bridgwood, the inventor of the first automatic windshield wiper.

4. GPS Technology

Dr. Gladys West worked as a mathematician for the U.S. Navy and played a key role in developing the mathematical models for satellite positioning systems (GPS). Without her work, modern navigation systems, including car GPS, would not exist in their current form.

5. Self-closing fuel cap

Alice H. Parker is credited with several inventions, including the self-closing fuel cap. Her design prevented gasoline from evaporating and reduced the risk of fire, making refueling safer.