In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Ms. Renuka Kirpalani, a trailblazer in the automotive industry. She’s currently the Consulting Editor for AutoCar India.

We begin the conversation by discussing her passion for automobiles––which stems from her upbringing where her father introduced her to the world of car building, racing, and restoration.

She shares with us the pivotal story of entering her first race; a nerve-wracking experience that ultimately propelled her into the competitive realm of motorsports.

Through her experiences, she’s become a symbol of empowerment for women in a traditionally male-dominated field. She advocates for inclusivity and recognition of women's contributions, highlighting initiatives like the Women's World Car of the Year. She actively challenges stereotypes and emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in both advertising and product design.

She sheds light on the historical bias that exists in the crash test dummy design and discusses efforts to address gender disparities in car safety evaluation. She reveals insights from a Korean company's behind-the-scenes approach, which involved testing car accessibility for individuals wearing saris, reflecting a more inclusive design perspective.

The episode also takes an interesting turn where we get her point of view on the infrastructure development in India and electric vehicles (EVs), as well as the evolving landscape of technology in the automotive industry.

On India's infrastructure development:

She applauds initiatives spearheaded by Mr. Gadkari, acknowledging significant improvements in road quality and maintenance, particularly on highways. However, she laments the inconsistent standards observed in urban areas like Mumbai, underscoring the need for sustained investment and maintenance for long-term benefits.

On EVS:

She acknowledges the transformative potential of EVs in shaping the future of automotive technology, emphasizing the need for enthusiasts and consumers alike to adapt to the changing automotive landscape.

On F1:

We also talk about the recent surge in interest in Formula 1 racing, attributed partly to the captivating documentary series "Drive to Survive" and American influence on the sport's marketing.

In essence, she demonstrated to us what it really means to be driven, to just follow your dreams and be confident in what you do.

More resources:

• https://youtu.be/sOw1ZvfB6dk
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5G2z10BISU
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wm5KZJF4rX0