Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa are proud that at the WOW 2008 Women’s Car of the Year Awards ceremony the Fiat Bravo (R198 000) was crowned the Best Car for women in the price bracket between R100 000 and R200 000.

"Women will be forgotten if they forget to think about themselves" and "The stronger the emphasis on the difference between the sexes, the clearer the need for the specific representation of women": Two very apt quotes by feminists dating back to the 1800s that perfectly encapsulate the WOW Women’s Car of the Year Awards. Too long the preserve of the male domain, the fairer sex are finally having their say and being heard.

And at Fiat Group Automobiles South Africa, we’re very proud that the ‘girls’ have voted for us. You see, at last night’s WOW 2008 Women’s Car of the Year Awards, the Fiat Bravo (R198 000) was crowned the Best Car for women between R100 000 and R200 000. This is a noteworthy accolade given the reach of the awards and the journal they’re based on: Launched in 2004 by Associated Magazines, the Women on Wheels (WOW) supplement is the only glossy motoring supplement aimed exclusively at the affluent female market.

Today WOW reaches an estimated 1.3 million readers and is bagged annually with the July issues of South Africa’s premier magazines Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, House and Leisure and O, The Oprah Magazine. The annual Nedbank Vehicle and Asset Finance-sponsored awards which are held to celebrate the best cars for women in seven distinct categories are decided by a panel of top female motoring experts along with online reader votes.

Commenting on the award, Craig Westray, General Manager of Marketing for Fiat Group Automobiles SA, said: “We’re ecstatic that the women of South Africa have tangibly expressed their support for our brand. Statistically we were aware of the fact that 64,2% of all new Fiats are purchased by females, but to have this sort of recognition is just so gratifying.”