Women Who Revolutionised Auto
At Group1 Cars, we continue celebrating the extraordinary women who have transformed the automotive and related industries. These visionaries have broken barriers and pioneered groundbreaking technologies, which have moulded the industry.
In Part 1, we explored the contributions of Ada Lovelace, Bertha Benz, and Dorothy Elizabeth Levitt. In Part 2, we highlight the incredible achievements of Edith Marie Flanigen, Hedy Lamarr, Helen Blair Bartlett, and Gladys Mae West — women whose innovations span from fuel refining to GPS technology.
Edith Marie Flanigen – Chemist And Inventor Of The Molecular Sieve
Born 28 January 1929
Edith Flanigen’s pioneering work in chemistry revolutionised the petroleum refining process, making it cleaner and more efficient. After joining Union Carbide in 1952, she began developing molecular sieves — materials with tiny pores that filter and purify complex substances.
Her most significant invention, Zeolite Y, is a catalyst used in petroleum refining to extract gasoline more effectively. Thanks to her discoveries, modern fuel production is safer and more sustainable, ultimately influencing the quality of fuel that powers today’s vehicles.
At age 96, she is a living icon!
Hedy Lamarr – Film Star And Inventor Of Signal Hopping
Born 9 November 1914 – 19 January 2000
Hedy Lamarr is best known as a Hollywood actress, but her biggest legacy lies in technology. On the eve of World War II, she co-invented frequency-hopping technology with composer George Antheil to prevent enemy interference in radio signals, a concept that later became essential for Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS.
Today, her work is fundamental to modern automotive communication systems, from hands-free calling to vehicle navigation and entertainment.
Helen Blair Bartlett – Geologist And Inventor Of Spark Plug Insulators
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Born 14 December 1901 – 25 August 1969
Read more about Helen Blair Bartlett here!
Helen Blair Bartlett’s expertise in geology led to a breakthrough in spark plug technology. Early spark plug insulators, made from fragile porcelain, were prone to breakage and buildup from engine residue. Bartlett’s innovation — using alumina ceramics — made spark plugs more durable, resistant to high temperatures, and more efficient in transferring energy.
Her work directly impacted vehicle performance, reducing maintenance needs and enhancing reliability.
Gladys Mae West – Mathematician And Contributor To The Invention Of GPS
Born: 27 October 1930
Read more about Gladys Mae West here!
Gladys West’s mathematical expertise helped develop GPS technology, which has become indispensable in the modern automotive industry.
While working on satellite geodesy, she played a crucial role in creating models to determine the precise shape of the Earth — paving the way for satellite-based navigation systems.
Her contributions directly impact modern vehicles, enabling accurate GPS tracking, navigation assistance, and real-time traffic updates.
At Group1 Cars, we honour these remarkable women whose inventions have shaped the way we drive today. Their brilliance continues to drive innovation, making our vehicles smarter, safer, and more efficient.
Stay tuned for Part 3, where we explore the achievements of Katharine Blodgett and other trailblazing women who have left an indelible mark on automotive history.
