:: netwoman's blog ::

Cars for and by Women

Over at Misbehaving, Gina points to the "First car designed by women", and article found here.

"Volvo Car's decision 14 months ago to allow hundreds of female employees to create a vehicle that suits their needs has given birth to a roomy, 215-horsepower coupe that's easy to park, maintain and keep clean. "

It is great to see that women are being involved in the creation of technology - being innovators vs users, (though all in the name of consumerism rather than empowerment: "The idea of catering more to women's needs makes perfect business sense") but there are some issues I have with this article.

1. It's easy to park with sensors - what does that mean? Women can't park cars?
2. It's designed to be nearly maintenance free - Apparently women don't take care of their cars, and this car will even send you reminders to change the oil since women can't seem to remember to do this.
3. It has no hood, only a large front end primarily suited for opening by a mechanic - So, if I wanted to change the oil or add oil, add Windshield washer fluid or whatever, I need to go to the (likely MALE) mechanic who will charge me big bucks to open my hood!
4. It also features a race-car-like fueling system with a roller-ball valve opening for the nozzle but no gas cap. - Not sure what the point of this is - though maybe I will break a nail with a regular gas cap?
5. The engine is a low-emission, gas-electric hybrid. - Ok, so this is good - but did it take female engineers to figure out that we should be environmental conscious? Doesn't everyone want this?
6. The car also has dirt-repellant paint and glass - because women don't wash their cars?
7. It has exchangeable seat covers with matching carpet - Do I need to make sure my outfit, shoes and purse match the car now as well?

While the intent of the car was not to be "gendered" - "this was not going to be a pink, cute-looking car but rather a very smart-looking vehicle" , there are still some gendered assumptions going on here. Granted, these are ideas from women, but they rub me the wrong way.

Here is what I think should be added to the 'women's car':
-Automatic steering control to easily apply lipstick and mascara while driving
-Tires that automatically inflat themselves so I don't have to put air in them
-Interior self cleaning capabilities (like the oven)
-Built in radar detector (illegal in Canada) so that I can speed from school to piano lessons to soccer to dinnner to hockey to.....
-Or, a speed cloaking device so that I can make it on time to all of the above
-On board computer that allows women to order groceries online and start the oven at home for the pot roast dinner
-Or, a microwave so that I can start dinner in the car and it is ready for my husband and kids when I get home
-Wireless tech communication so that your husband can tell you that he won't be home to eat the pot roast because he has a late meeting
-Computerized voice that will remind you that it is time to pick up your kids, the dry cleaning and that soccer practice is at 7pm.
-Ample storage for diapers and wet naps, a change of clothes for baby barf
-A driver's seat that has an inflatable pillow so that I can nap in between soccer, baseball and hockey
-Ample storage for hockey, hockey, soccer, and baseball gear

EEK! Do I sound bitter? - perhaps. Frustrated? - definitely.

In the 1950's Dodge launched La Femme, a rose-colored vehicle that was discontinued after a couple of years. "One of the car's features, according to Chrysler literature: a compartment on back of one of the seats that held a "stunning shoulder bag in soft rose leather ... fitted with compact, lighter, lipstick and cigarette case."

How far have we come?

posted by Netwoman @ 9:21 AM