Meet the woman leading the charge for electric vehicles in the car industry

Emma King has been named winner of Autocar’s Great British Women in the Car Industry Rising Stars 2019 initiative

Each year, Autocar celebrates trailblazing women in the car industry by picking its top 100 female rising stars.

Topping the list this year was Emma King, Ford’s senior purchasing manager and pioneer of its $11 billion investment in Electric-Vehicle Batteries.

King began her career in 2007 as a commercial buyer for Ford, before rising through the ranks to lead the firm’s electric car charge in purchasing. She now manages an international team stretching across Europe, the US and China.

She has been widely praised in leading the procurement of global battery cells, which has played a massive part in Ford’s rapid move toward eco-friendly electrified vehicles.

Speaking of King’s significant impact on technological changes within the car industry, Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw stated: ‘The car industry is always experimenting, pushing boundaries and looking into new technologies, and Emma’s role perfectly highlights how exciting it is to be a part of.’

King also said of her role: ‘The work I do with Ford is a really exciting area to be involved in. Investing heavily in an electric future means our work is at the forefront of the migration to new technologies and services.’

‘I am deeply thankful to have been considered alongside such accomplished and varied female talent and hope that we can, in turn, inspire future generations.’

During the event, Rachel Prasher, managing director of Autocar, emphasised why this year’s commemoration of female car pioneers felt particularly special:

‘Not only are we looking at the strength of the UK’s automotive industry at the moment, but we are celebrating the names to look out for, carrying the industry into the future.’

‘Our list of 100 rising stars is only a snapshot of the great work women are doing to make a name for themselves in the automotive industry, and the essential role that women will continue to have in developing the UK’s automotive landscape in the years to come.’

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes stressed that it’s innovative developments in ‘electrification, digitalisation and AI’ that secure the conclusion that it has ‘never been a more exciting time to join the motor sector.’

‘The calibre of nominees this year highlights the women excelling in our sector and the crucial role they play now and in the future. This can only inspire more women to join our industry, helping shape the future mobility of the UK.’