Australian motoring journalist, rally champion and automotive expert Samantha Stevens joins the international jury of Women's Worldwide Car of the Year, bringing more than 25 years of experience in automotive journalism, motorsport and vehicle evaluation.

Women's Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) is pleased to announce that Australian automotive journalist Samantha Stevens has joined its international jury. With her appointment, WWCOTY now brings together 88 leading women motoring journalists from 55 countries, further strengthening its position as the world's only car awards judged exclusively by women automotive journalists.

Samantha Stevens is one of Australia's most respected automotive journalists, combining more than two decades of experience in vehicle testing, motorsport and automotive communications. She currently serves as Senior Reviews Journalist for Drive.com.au, one of Australia's leading and most trusted automotive news and review platforms.

Her career began during the golden era of print motoring journalism, contributing to renowned Australian publications including Wheels, Motor and CarsGuide, where she participated in several Car of the Year programmes. Beyond journalism, she spent 12 years leading media and communications at Sydney Motorsport Park, Australia's premier FIA Grade 2 racing circuit, giving her an exceptional understanding of both the automotive industry and motorsport.

What sets Samantha apart is her rare combination of journalistic expertise and hands-on motorsport experience. She has competed as both a rally driver and navigator, managed her own rally team, and personally overseen the preparation and engineering of her competition cars. Among her many achievements, she won two Australian national rally titles and became the first woman in Australia to win a national tarmac rally outright. This extensive practical experience gives her a unique technical perspective when evaluating today's vehicles.

Her work today spans every corner of the automotive world, from testing the latest electric vehicles and advanced driver technologies to evaluating off-road vehicles in the Australian bush. She also continues her close involvement with motorsport as Formula 4 Category Manager in Australia and serves as a judge for Australia's Car of the Year awards, as well as an ambassador and juror for the Good Design Awards in the Automotive and Transport category.

Commenting on her appointment, Samantha Stevens said:
"It is a tremendous honour to join the Women's Worldwide Car of the Year jury. This organisation represents far more than recognising the best cars. It gives women automotive journalists a respected global platform and helps ensure the voices of female motorists are heard throughout the industry. I look forward to working alongside such an outstanding group of journalists from around the world to celebrate vehicles that excel in safety, engineering, innovation and design, while helping break down outdated stereotypes about women and cars." 

Samantha's appointment reflects Australia's longstanding importance within the global automotive industry. As the largest vehicle market in Oceania, Australia is recognised internationally for its demanding driving conditions, from dense urban environments to the remote Outback. Manufacturers frequently use Australian roads and terrain to test suspension, durability and overall vehicle capability, making the country an important proving ground for vehicles destined for markets around the world.

The Australian market continues to evolve rapidly. While dual-cab utilities such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux and large family SUVs remain the country's best-selling vehicles, demand for hybrid and fully electric vehicles is growing quickly, driven by changing emissions regulations and the arrival of new global manufacturers. This dynamic market provides Samantha with valuable insight into both traditional automotive strengths and the industry's transition towards electrification.

With Samantha Stevens joining its international panel, Women's Worldwide Car of the Year further strengthens its mission of bringing together the world's most respected women automotive journalists to provide independent, expert perspectives on the vehicles shaping the future of mobility.