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Women Set To Be Driving Force In Car IndustryThe traditionally male dominated motor industry must adapt to embrace the female point of view - in all aspects of the business. This claim, made by Volvo from research figures issued today, comes as the world's first concept car developed by an all-female Volvo team goes on display at London's Business Design Centre in Islington.
The Office for National Statistics data shows that women make up 45% of the total workforce in the UK. However, within the automotive industry this figure tends to be lower, with retail and distribution disciplines around 30% and within the manufacturing sector it is even lower - at just 8%. By contrast, at Volvo's Torslanda manufacturing site in Sweden, female staff account for 27% of the workforce and 20% of all Volvo employees are female.
Also, 20% of the professional test drivers at Volvo's test circuit in Sweden are female, often undertaking this role part-time alongside other jobs, as varied as nurse, care worker, chef and logistics co-ordinator.
Within Volvo worldwide, the number of female managers currently represents 15% of the workforce, but Volvo is committed to increase this figure to 20% by 20051.
"From as early as the 1980s Volvo has had groups of female staff testing and assessing new models from a woman's point of view, but now we are ensuring we have a strong female elem
more: www.carpages.co.uk/volvo/volvo_wo... (135)
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5/12/2004 | Viewed 6,220 time(s)
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