Saudi Gazette report THE recent decision by the supreme authorities to allow women driving in Saudi Arabia has come at a time when the Kingdom has been witnessing sweeping changes on several fronts. Women are active members of society and play a pivotal role in the country's economic development. Women typically prefer a car that is affordable, has plenty of storage and is fuel-efficient. For many women, safety is an important factor as they drive children back and forth a lot. Undoubtedly, women also want something that is fun to drive. Al-Riyadh newspaper investigates the choice of cars Saudi women will go for as they are going to hit the roads come June. Until recently, Saudi women were dreaming of the day when they would be given the green light to drive, but today their minds are set on the type of cars they will buy — the car that suits them as women. Undoubtedly, safety, simplicity, aesthetic add-ons and amenities that make driving enjoyable to them will be among the specifications women drivers will be looking for. Women not only care a lot about the safety but also of the leg space in a car. After all, she wants a car that accommodates all members of her family. Car agents will have to meet the demands of women related to specifications, if they want to do profitable business with them, according to a report in Al-Riyadh newspaper. Auto experts believe that there will be a large demand on medium-size vehicles in the Kingdom, especially cars that offer maximum safety. The experts also believe that the sales of luxury vehicles are likely to increase as most women love to own luxurious and expensive things. However, the purchasing power of female consumers might prevent some of them from owning luxury cars and they will instead opt less expensive ones. There will be a large demand for cars that come in different colors, especially colors that reflect women's nature. Faisal Abu Shousha, chairman of automobiles committee in the Council of Saudi Chambers said, Some 10 percent of the women may go for luxury vehicles while the rest will opt medium- and small-size ones, especially in the light of the expected increase of fuel in the near future. Women students and employees will most probably prefer small-size cars that are affordable and simple in terms of design and technology. Auto experts agree that women will be more than keen to take their cars for periodic maintenance on schedule without any delay, meaning they will visit auto inspection and maintenance centers regularly. Auto companies will have to provide waiting rooms for women and special reception areas. Abu Shousha agreed that women would stick to periodic maintenance schedules more than men and ensure that their vehicles were always in perfect condition. He called upon auto dealers to provide special areas for women at maintenance centers.