Top 3 Female Billionaires in the Automobile Industry According to Forbes

The automobile industry, traditionally dominated by men, is witnessing a remarkable shift with the emergence of female billionaires who are steering their way to the top. These three formidable women who have excelled in this industry and amassed considerable fortunes, defying age-related stereotypes and showcasing that prowess and innovation know no bounds.

According to Forbes, as of March 8, these women, aged 61, 80, and 82, hold a combined wealth of $38.5 billion. Their enduring influence in the automotive world is a testament to their strategic investments, business acumen, and dedication to innovation. Let’s dive into the profiles of these trailblazing female billionaires who are driving change in the automotive industry.

Susanne Klatten: The BMW Heiress

Susanne Klatten, with a staggering net worth of $26.4 billion, is a titan in the automotive industry. Born in 1962 in Bad Homburg, Germany, she inherited a significant stake in BMW from her illustrious industrialist parents, Herbert and Johanna Quandt. Klatten’s 19% ownership of the German luxury automobile manufacturer, along with her brother Stefan Quandt’s nearly 24%, has been instrumental in BMW’s sustained success.

But Klatten’s business interests don’t stop at automotive. She is the sole owner and deputy chair of Altana, a chemical company with over $2.5 billion in annual sales, and holds stakes in digital identity and data security firm Entrust, as well as the carbon and graphite producer SGL Group. Her strategic investments and business acumen have earned her a prominent place on Forbes’ list of female billionaires.

Gail Miller: From One Dealership to a Business Empire

At 80, Gail Miller is an influential figure in the American automotive sector with a net worth of $3.9 billion. She co-founded the Larry H. Miller Group of Companies with her late husband Larry, transforming a single Toyota dealership into the eighth-largest auto dealer group in the U.S. In 2021, she sold the group to Asbury Automotive for $3.2 billion.

Miller’s business empire extends beyond automotive to include real estate, healthcare, finance, and entertainment. Her philanthropic efforts and community involvement, coupled with her inspirational book “Courage To Be You,” have solidified her reputation as a respected figure in the American business landscape.

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler: A legacy of innovation

Maria-Elisabeth Schaeffler-Thumann, at 82, is a powerhouse in German auto parts manufacturing. She and her son Georg helm the Schaeffler Group, a global technology company and one of the world’s largest producers of ball bearings and machine components. With a net worth of $8.2 billion, she took the reins in 1996 after her husband’s passing.

Under her leadership, the Schaeffler Group acquired Continental AG in 2008, a major milestone in the company’s history. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation have positioned the company as a key player in the global auto parts market, contributing significantly to the automotive industry’s evolution.

These top three female billionaires in the automobile industry are not just business magnates, they are trailblazers who have broken barriers and set new standards in a traditionally male-dominated field. Their stories of perseverance, strategic thinking, and innovation serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide, proving that with the right drive and determination, anyone can accelerate to success in the automotive industry.