October 2024 marks a significant milestone for the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY), as it expands its global jury with the addition of renowned Bulgarian car journalist Ina Georgieva. With this appointment, WWCOTY, the only car award in the world exclusively judged by female motoring journalists, now features 79 jurors from 56 countries. This growing representation highlights the ever-increasing role women play in shaping the automotive industry.
Ina Georgieva brings over two decades of automotive journalism experience to the WWCOTY panel. As a prominent figure at Your BUSINESS Magazine, one of Bulgaria’s oldest and most respected business media outlets, she has contributed to a platform that not only caters to general business interests but also focuses on the specific needs of women drivers. The magazine’s coverage spans everything from test drives and motorsport news to lifestyle content, reflecting a holistic approach to automotive journalism.
In 2018, Georgieva launched The True Speed of Women, a unique project that blends luxury, lifestyle, and automotive innovation. This initiative showcases accomplished women from various professions and generations, highlighting how they navigate multiple “life tracks,” often in the company of the latest car models. Supported by nearly all car companies in Bulgaria, the project serves as a platform to celebrate female success, both on and off the road.
Aside from her role at Your BUSINESS Magazine, Georgieva is also the Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of your HOLIDAY Magazine, which focuses on luxury travel and leisure destinations. Her expertise extends beyond journalism, as she is a long-standing member of the Press Auto Club Bulgaria and has served as a juror for the Car of the Year in Bulgaria for the past 20 years.
On her appointment to WWCOTY’s jury, Georgieva expressed her excitement: “I am honored to be a member of the world jury of the most prestigious automotive women’s organization. I’m happy that there are other ladies like me, from different parts of the world, who can be assertive. However, today half of the drivers on the planet are women. Therefore, the opinion of women in automotive journalism is extremely important.”
WWCOTY’s mission, which started in 2009, is to highlight the best cars available on the market, but from a female perspective, considering aspects of safety, value for money, design, and more. As the number of women motorists worldwide continues to grow, their influence on the automotive market has become undeniable. This makes the WWCOTY’s role even more pivotal in a male-dominated industry.
Bulgaria: A Growing Automotive Market
Ina Georgieva’s appointment comes at a time when Bulgaria is experiencing a notable shift in its automotive landscape. From January to August 2024, the country saw a 22.5% increase in new car sales, the highest growth reported in the entire European Union. This surge in sales reflects Bulgaria’s growing interest in hybrid models, with a remarkable 40.2% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
However, electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Bulgaria tells a more nuanced story. EV sales have dropped by 12.9% during the first eight months of 2024, a trend that can be partly attributed to the lack of government subsidies for EV purchases, aside from free parking incentives. Nevertheless, the steady growth in hybrid car sales suggests a shift towards greener driving, as Bulgarian consumers balance sustainability with practicality.
A Global Perspective, A Local Voice
Ina Georgieva’s appointment to WWCOTY is not only a personal achievement but also a reflection of Bulgaria’s evolving role in the global automotive scene. Her influence, along with the continued rise of Bulgarian car sales, underscores the importance of diverse voices in shaping the future of motoring.
As women continue to occupy a growing share of the driver’s seat, both literally and figuratively, the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year jury continues to push the boundaries of what the automotive world can achieve. With 79 jurors now representing 56 countries, WWCOTY remains a trailblazer in elevating female perspectives in the world of motoring journalism.
