On the eve of International Women’s Day, Ford has been honored by the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) as the brand that most strongly supports women—an acknowledgment that makes us deeply proud.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of receiving this award from Marta García, Executive President of WWCOTY. This distinction, known as the Ford Sandy Myhre Award 2026 and named after the visionary founder Sandy Myhre, is a recognition I value enormously, as it highlights us as the brand most committed to women on a global scale.

The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year, whose jury is composed exclusively of women automotive journalists from five continents, plays a crucial role in promoting equality and diversity in an industry that has traditionally been male‑dominated. Its work not only brings visibility to female talent but also pushes the automotive sector toward a more inclusive, innovative, and productive future where all voices are valued.

Ford, the Brand Most Committed to Women

Being recognized by WWCOTY as the brand that most supports women is a tremendous honor and a testament to the dedication of the entire Ford team in building a more inclusive and equitable environment. This award encourages us to continue strengthening our commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women—fundamental pillars of our culture and strategy.

During the ceremony, Marta García highlighted the importance of this recognition: “Ford’s commitment to gender equality is exemplary. Their concrete initiatives—from supporting women in leadership and technology roles to projects that directly impact women’s well‑being—demonstrate a vision that goes beyond words. We are delighted to recognize Ford as a benchmark in this field.”

For me, and for Ford, this award is not just a trophy; it is a testament to our ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, strengthen female leadership, introduce policies that support work‑life balance, and increase the presence of women in technical and engineering roles.

At Ford, our promise to support women translates into tangible initiatives that I am proud to share:

• Empowerment and female leadership: At Ford, we don’t just talk about equality—we live it. We foster an environment where women can reach their full potential, holding leadership roles and contributing decisively to our vision. A clear example of our “go further” philosophy is our support of Lexie Alford, who set a Guinness World Record by traveling around the globe in an electric Ford Explorer. This incredible achievement reflects not only the capability of our vehicles but also the adventurous spirit and courage of women like Lexie who break barriers and dare to explore new horizons.
  
  
• Well‑being and work‑life balance: We are deeply committed to policies that support equilibrium between personal and professional life, essential for the well‑being and growth of our employees. Our innovation extends to well‑being too, as demonstrated by the Support Belt—an innovative device that allows women recovering from breast cancer surgery to fasten their seatbelt without pain, providing them with comfort and safety. A small gesture that has a profound impact on quality of life.
  
  
• Inclusion in technical fields and visibility: We actively work to attract, retain, and promote female talent in traditionally male‑dominated fields such as engineering and technology, recognizing the value and innovation they bring. At Ford, we also amplify the voices of women across all areas. We are proud to collaborate with a wide network of female digital creators who, through their influence and creativity, help us connect with diverse audiences and showcase the versatility of our products from fresh and authentic perspectives.

This award is not only recognition of what we have achieved—it is a powerful motivator to keep moving forward. At Ford, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are the key to innovation, creativity, and future success.

I sincerely thank the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year and Sandy Myhre for this honor. It encourages us to continue our path toward a more equitable and promising future for everyone.

Jesús Alonso is President and CEO, Ford Spain.