A car industry top 100 winner says more women are needed in places of business.

Diana Mackinnon, the general manager at Lexus in Edgware Road in Hendon, earned a place on the Great British Women in the Car Industry’s 100-strong list.

She is now speaking about the gender difference in the industry which she says have become more apparent in last few years.

She said: “In recent years the feeling of being a female in a male dominated industry become apparent to me.

“I appreciate the fact that my employers, Jemca Car Group, encourage all employees, including women, to reach their full potential.

“Women drive and own cars and are also massively influential when it comes to helping partners choose their car, so we do need more of us at the coalface and in boardrooms.

“I would love to see even more women in sales, service reception and the workshop.”

The Great British Women in the Car Industry’s 100-strong ‘power-list’ looks to celebrate success and encourage more women into the car industry.

The event was organised by Autocar in the Barbican Centre in London.

She added: “I was touched when my senior managers said they wanted to put me forward for the award and I am honoured to be recognised in this way.

“I know I wouldn’t be here without the support and hard work of my dedicated team, so this is just as much about them as it is me.

Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw added: “While there are certainly challenges in the car industry, it’s heartening to see such a wealth of outstanding British women thriving in an array of roles and in the most senior positions.

“There is plenty of work to be done but, by highlighting the considerable impact of these women, we hope we can inspire more women into our amazing automotive world.”