Besima Svraka Joins Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year Jury, Expanding Global Representation
5 July 2024 – The Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) is delighted to welcome Besima Svraka from FBL magazine to its distinguished panel of jurors. This prestigious award, the only one globally judged exclusively by women motoring journalists, now proudly features 76 jurors from 54 countries with Besima’s inclusion.
Besima Svraka is pioneering a path for women in the motoring journalism industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite the limited opportunities in her country, she has made significant strides by dedicating a section of her magazine to automotive topics.
Last year, Besima launched “FBL Drivers – Women Behind the Wheel,” a special segment in her magazine celebrating women’s passion for cars. Her mission is to challenge and transform the stereotypes surrounding female drivers while encouraging more women to engage with the automotive world. “The phrase ‘women behind the wheel’ needs a fresh perspective,” she asserts. With a strong belief in the power of change and empowerment, Besima aims to confront biases against women drivers, inspiring others to pursue their automotive dreams.
FBL magazine is a prominent publication in the Bosnian and Herzegovinian lifestyle scene, known for its compelling content over the past decade. It has become one of the most popular and widely read magazines in the country.
The magazine is deeply committed to journalistic integrity, ensuring accuracy and truthfulness in every article. The FBL team values the art of writing, crafting insightful and thought-provoking pieces that explore various societal aspects. From trend analyses to in-depth features on emerging talents, FBL magazine provides its readers with engaging and informative content.
Regarding her new role, Besima Svraka expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am excited about the opportunity to be part of this significant team of women.”
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Automotive Scene
The automotive market in Bosnia and Herzegovina is characterized by a strong demand for used vehicles, a growing interest in SUVs and electric cars, and a strategic role in regional automotive trade and manufacturing. Economic conditions and cultural preferences significantly shape the market, while infrastructure developments continue to influence vehicle trends and choices.
Predominantly driven by the import of used vehicles, the new car sales market remains relatively small compared to other European countries due to economic conditions and purchasing power. German brands like Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Škoda dominate the market, prized for their reliability and status. Compact and mid-sized cars are common, reflecting both urban and rural needs.
Although electric and hybrid vehicle penetration is currently low, there is a growing awareness and interest in these technologies. Infrastructure for electric vehicles, such as charging stations, is gradually developing, mainly in urban areas.
Strategically located in the Balkans, Bosnia and Herzegovina serves as a critical transit point for automotive trade between Western Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East. The country’s transport and logistics sector plays a vital role in this regard.
Investment in road infrastructure has been improving, enhancing connectivity through highways and major roads. However, some rural areas still face challenges with road quality, impacting vehicle choices and driving conditions.
