The WAVE Les Elles de l’Auto association will be present at the 2026 Paris Motor Show to highlight the essential role of women in the automotive industry.
Women have always been part of automotive history. From inspirers like Louis Cayrol, pioneers like Dorothy Levitt and the Duchess of Uzès, drivers like Michèle Mouton and, more recently, Doriane Pin (named the association’s Woman of the Year in 2025), to top executives: women have left their mark on the automotive adventure.
Yet the industry’s image remains that of a predominantly male world, particularly in technical fields. The result of this lack of awareness regarding the opportunities that the automotive and mobility sectors can offer women is still reflected in their representation within the workforce: 26% of employees in the industry and 22% in mobility-related service professions. This paradox is all the more striking given that women are just as attached to their vehicles as men.
WAVE Les Elles de l’Auto’s presence at the Paris Motor Show will focus on highlighting women’s career paths and the importance of gender diversity—both for individual careers and for corporate performance.
Who Are We?
Founded in 2008 by a group of women in the automotive industry, WAVE Les Elles de l’Auto—a nonprofit organization recognized as being of public interest under the French Law of 1901—serves all employees (women and men) in the automotive and mobility sectors: manufacturers, importers, parts suppliers, distribution and repair networks, service providers, and more.
Some of our initiatives:
• The Gender Diversity Awards, which recognize companies committed to promoting gender diversity
• Job Fairs where job seekers and recruiters can discuss career opportunities
• Annual Meetings (18th edition in 2026) featuring the presentation of the Woman of the Year Award
• A photo exhibition and a digital book on women in innovative automotive professions
• In-person and online events throughout the year to inspire, exchange ideas, and build networks
• Four regional chapters of the association to better serve our members: PACA, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Hauts-de-France, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Join Us
• Sign up on our website: www.waveautos.com
• Follow us on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/wave-autos
• Follow us on Instagram: @waveautos
