Chicago Auto Show Women's Day recognizes growing female consumer base
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Auto Show gave a nod to its female consumer base - a growing part of its industry - with Women's Day Tuesday.
Cars that open - even make room in back with a touch of button; it's convenience that consumers demand from their cars, especially women.
"Especially a mom, a mom's life is in the car, because you've gotta take your kids different places, you've got to have your own piece of life and you've got to be comfortable in the car," said Ronni Roseman, an attendee.
PHOTOS: Women's Day at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show
"Especially the convenience - getting the kids in and out of the car can be such a hassle, so anything that makes that more convenient is a good thing," said Julie Ponce, an attendee.
Fifty-two percent of car purchases were made by women last year. It's been a growing trend, one emphasized at Women's Day, where admission for all women was half price throughout the whole day.
"We need to appeal to both men and women because women are such an important part of the industry and are buying more cars than men now; the opportunity just keeps growing," said Melissa Gariepy, Ford sales operations manager in Chicago.
Women Driving Excellence honored trailblazers including ABC7's own Janet Davies at the Auto Show Tuesday. The program offered other opportunities to inspire and empower women. And truth be told - it's our buying power auto makers hope to capture.
"I've seen a lot of women at those tables not just interested in the cars but working for the companies that we're talking about - all the different new cars that are out for 2015," said Heidy Best, an attendee.
"You can't move forward with women driving the economy in this way without listening to what they have to say," said Valerie Reynolds, an attendee.
