About one per cent of truck drivers in Europe are women. This is a very small number, but no fewer than in many other parts of the world. At the same time, the transport industry is crying out for more drivers. In the US, the situation is somewhat better, as women account for more than five per cent of the country’s 3.2 million truck drivers. In the US, the organisation Women in Trucking has been working for a number of years to change attitudes and norms in the industry.
Ellen Voie, the founder and president of the organisation, says that the US’s current driver shortage would be addressed by doubling the number of female truck drivers to just over 10 per cent.
“There is an old-fashioned, male-oriented culture in the industry and women aren’t appreciated as being capable and available,†she says.
For this reason, Women in Trucking has, for example, put together a recruitment guide with tips on the ways haulage companies can attract more women to join them.
“First and foremost, the haulage companies and their male employees need to think again and dispense with their macho culture. The women in this industry are tearing down the barriers and this is a source of irritation to some men. It is still too common for women to be harassed by their male colleagues and for truck stops and trans-shipment terminals to feel unsafe. We are working to change this,†says Ellen Voie.
Ellen Voie started Women in Trucking in 2007, after working as a recruiter for one of the US’s largest transport companies and discovering that very few women even considered working in the industry – as drivers or in other areas. Haulage companies had not fully recognised that women could be a solution to both the shortage of drivers and the poor profitability. Women in Trucking was faced by a difficult challenge, but it has now succeeded in bringing about a positive change in the US. As things stand, the organisation has around 2,000 members and three employees, all of whom are working actively on getting information to schools, government agencies, politicians, haulage companies and other transport companies.
“It isn’t just the transport industry, but also the whole of society that can benefit from more women being employed in the traditional male professions. Female drivers are often safer drivers and incur less damage to their trucks, which is something from which haulage companies can benefit,†stresses Ellen Voie.
In the US, it is not uncommon to find driving teams in which a married couple, father and daughter or boyfriend and girlfriend undertake long-distance transport work together. These teams live in their trucks, which are frequently extended trailers, otherwise known as ‘sleepers’, with a kitchen, bathroom and berths for two people. Ellen Voie believes that this culture could be one of the reasons why more women drive trucks in the US compared with Europe.
“Women have a natural way into the industry and they share the responsibility and the cost of a truck with a partner,†she explains.
Volvo Trucks is a member of Women in Trucking and is actively supporting the organisation’s work. Svajone Drabatiene, Director, Brand Development at Volvo Trucks North America, is keen to spotlight one aspect of the partnership between Volvo Trucks and Women in Trucking.
She says, “It’s important to have female role models and that’s why Volvo Trucks is sponsoring Women in Trucking’s ‘Salute to Women Behind the Wheel’. This is an annual event which celebrates female truck drivers, many of whom have covered at least a million incident-free miles.â€
In Europe, there are organisations similar to Women in Trucking in countries including the UK, France and Sweden. In the largest EU project to date, the haulage industry in Sweden conducted the ‘Drivers on the road’ project. It was designed to increase the number of young people, immigrants and women in the industry and it was so successful that several of the networks that were created within the framework of the project are still active.
Brigitta Paas is vice chairman of the ETF’s (European Transport Federation) women’s committee and every day she deals with the question of bringing more women into the industry. The ETF’s plan of action for 2009-2013 states that all the member organisations must implement the necessary measures before 2013, in order to increase the recruitment of women in the transport industry. However, the work is going slowly and laboriously, even if the projects are successful and the aims are ambitious.
“As long as there is cheap labour available in Eastern Europe, the haulage companies are going to employ those people rather than existing drivers or women who are keen to start driving. I wish the associations would do more in this area,†she says.
Since 1999, Volvo Trucks in Sweden has been organising what are known as Ladies’ Days. The aim here is to arouse the interest of women and girls in driving as a profession by telling them about the industry, organising meetings with female drivers and giving them the opportunity to drive Volvo’s trucks. So far, Ladies’ Day has been a success and has attracted more than 100 participants on each occasion.
“The haulage companies that do not employ women risk losing out on valuable skills and know-how, which is neither good nor particularly smart. I am convinced that women have a great deal to offer the industry when it comes to safe, fuel-efficient driving,†says Martin Bramsved, global manager Corporate Social Responsibility at Volvo Trucks.
Martin Bramsved feels that it is only natural for manufacturers like Volvo Trucks to take an interest in the people who sit behind the wheel, as well as sell or service the vehicles
Martin continues, “Even if we don’t employ drivers, we are still eventually dependent on truck transport that operates efficiently and effectively. This is why we are involving ourselves in social issues such as recruitment. As we see it, it’s reasonable for the industry to extend its recruitment base and regard women as a natural part of it – especially as there is a shortage of drivers.â€
In the past, the actual truck and its handling represented an obstacle for women. Trucks today, on the other hand, do not require drivers who have exceptionally strong arms or are especially tall.
“Truck cabs are designed for drivers to live and work in, no matter whether they are women or men and independent of the strength of the drivers’ arms. For example, the drivers’ seats and steering wheels in Volvo trucks are extremely adaptable and are therefore ideal for short and tall drivers alike,†Martin Bramsved explains.
Earlier this year, Volvo Trucks was eager for Ellen Voie to share her experience and knowledge outside the US and so brought her to Sweden and the Elmia Truck Show at in Jönköping. Support from the industry is contributing to Women in Trucking’s success.
“It’s incredibly important that manufacturers get involved, just like Volvo Trucks is doing. After all, if there are no drivers, they won’t be able to sell trucks,†says Ellen Voie.
– Article by Holly Reich
There couldn’t have been a better place to discover the personality of the new Maserati MCPura Cielo than Miami during Formula 1 weekend.
As my flight touched down at Miami International Airport, the city was already buzzing with the unmistakable excitement that surrounds Formula 1. Every luxury hotel entrance was lined with Ferraris, Lamborghinis, McLarens and Porsches. Miami becomes America’s capital of automotive passion for one week every year.
Waiting for me was something different.
2026 Maserati MCPura Cielo, finished in the elegant Grigio Incognito over an Ice Grey Alcantara interior with extensive carbon fiber trim and premium Sonus Faber audio. Configured at just over $308,000, it represents Maserati’s latest interpretation of an exotic convertible, not by copying its rivals, but by staying true to Italian grand touring heritage while delivering genuine supercar performance.
First Impressions: Exclusivity Over Flash
One thing became obvious before I even left the airport. Everyone recognizes a Ferrari. Everyone recognizes a Lamborghini. Very few recognize the MCPura Cielo. That turned into one of the car’s greatest strengths throughout my weekend in Miami.
Instead of hearing people say, “Nice Ferrari,” they walked over asking, “What Maserati is this?”
There’s something refreshing about driving a car that isn’t chasing attention.
It earns it.
Its proportions are stunning. The carbon-fiber monocoque, butterfly doors, dramatic front fascia, and clean rear design make it look exotic without feeling theatrical.
Performance That Doesn’t Need to Prove Anything
Underneath the beautiful bodywork is Maserati’s Formula 1-inspired engineering.
The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 produces over 620 horsepower, sending power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Numbers only tell part of the story. Unlike several competitors that feel brutally quick but emotionally distant, the MCPura Cielo communicates with the driver.
Throttle response is immediate. Steering feels incredibly precise. The chassis constantly tells you what the front tires are doing. Even through Miami traffic, there was a remarkable sense of connection that many electrically assisted supercars have started to lose.
Miami Became My Test Track
Most automotive journalists evaluate supercars on race tracks. I believe luxury buyers spend 95% of their time on real roads. Miami proved to be the perfect environment to understand what this Maserati is actually built for. From downtown traffic to the causeways, from Ocean Drive to Brickell, the suspension remained surprisingly compliant.
Visibility is better than expected. The dual-clutch transmission behaves smoothly at low speeds. Unlike some exotic cars that constantly remind you they’re race cars with license plates, the MCPura Cielo is surprisingly approachable. That’s exactly what makes it such a compelling alternative to its competitors.
Sunrise: Where the Cielo Truly Comes Alive
The defining moment came just before sunrise.
With the retractable roof open, Miami’s warm ocean breeze entering the cabin, and the first rays of sunlight reflecting across the Grigio Incognito paint, I finally understood why Maserati named it Cielo.
“Cielo” means sky.
This isn’t simply a convertible version of the coupe. It’s an entirely different experience.
Without a roof separating you from the engine, every acceleration becomes more immersive.
The Nettuno V6 doesn’t produce the deep thunder of a naturally aspirated V12.
Instead, it delivers a sophisticated mechanical soundtrack that’s unmistakably Italian.
That sunrise drive reminded me that performance isn’t measured only in acceleration.
It’s measured in emotion.
Wynwood: Automotive Art Meets Street Art
Later that afternoon, I headed toward Wynwood.
This became one of the most memorable photography sessions I’ve ever experienced.
Wynwood has always celebrated artistic expression.
The MCPura Cielo fits perfectly into that environment because it doesn’t feel engineered solely by computers. It feels sculpted.
The flowing body lines, dramatic air intakes, and elegant proportions looked like another piece of art against Miami’s colorful murals.
Several people stopped not because it was the loudest supercar there, but because they had never seen one before.
That’s exclusivity.
Calle Ocho Shows Another Side
Perhaps the biggest surprise happened on Calle Ocho. Most supercars feel uncomfortable outside luxury neighborhoods. The Maserati didn’t. Families smiled. People asked questions. Children pointed at the Trident.
Unlike brands that project intimidation, Maserati projects elegance. That emotional connection matters. Because buying a $300,000 automobile isn’t simply about specifications.It’s about how the car makes you feel every time you drive it.
How Does It Compare?
After spending several days behind the wheel, I couldn’t help comparing it with today’s exotic market.
The Ferrari 296 GTS is faster and more track-focused.
The McLaren Artura Spider feels lighter and incredibly clinical.
The Lamborghini Temerario is louder and more dramatic.
The MCPura Cielo occupies a completely different space.
It combines supercar performance with genuine luxury, everyday drivability, and Italian craftsmanship in a way few manufacturers still pursue.
Rather than trying to dominate every specification sheet, Maserati focused on creating a car owners genuinely want to drive. Every day.
Carsfera’s Verdict
The 2026 Maserati MCPura Cielo isn’t designed to win comparison charts. It’s designed to win hearts. During Formula 1 week, surrounded by some of the world’s greatest supercars, it never felt overshadowed. Quite the opposite.
Its rarity, elegant styling, balanced chassis, and unmistakable Italian character made it one of the most interesting cars I experienced all weekend. Miami simply confirmed what Maserati already knew. Performance attracts attention. Character creates memories.
The MCPura Cielo delivers both, and that’s exactly what makes it one of the most compelling exotic convertibles on sale today.
Some cars impress you with outrageous acceleration. Others earn your respect by making everyday life easier. The truly exceptional ones manage to do both without asking you to compromise.
After spending a week with the 2026 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance, I walked away convinced that Audi has created far more than an incredibly fast luxury wagon. It has built a car that perfectly captures what enthusiasts love about the brand at a time when the automotive world is changing faster than ever.
Electrification is reshaping the performance car landscape. Large-displacement engines are disappearing, manufacturers are prioritizing efficiency over emotion, and many new performance cars rely on software to create excitement. Against that backdrop, the RS 6 Avant Performance feels refreshingly authentic. It represents one of the last opportunities to experience Audi’s legendary twin-turbocharged V8 paired with quattro all-wheel drive in a package that can comfortably handle school runs, cross-country road trips, or an early Sunday morning blast down your favorite back road.
The longer I lived with it, the more obvious it became that this isn’t simply one of the best performance wagons on sale today. It may ultimately be remembered as one of the defining Audis of its generation.
More Than Just a Fast Wagon
Even standing still, the RS 6 communicates purpose without resorting to theatrics.
Its widened bodywork, muscular wheel arches, honeycomb grille, aggressive front fascia, and massive oval exhaust outlets give it undeniable presence. Yet unlike many six-figure performance cars, it never feels like it’s trying too hard to attract attention. That’s always been one of Audi Sport’s greatest strengths. The design is confident rather than flashy.
During my week with the car, I noticed something interesting. Enthusiasts immediately recognized it, often giving a thumbs-up or lingering for a closer look. Everyone else simply saw an exceptionally attractive wagon. That subtle dual personality is part of the RS 6’s appeal. It flies under the radar just enough to remain understated while still rewarding those who understand exactly what they’re looking at.
In an era where many high-performance vehicles lean heavily on exaggerated styling, the RS 6 feels mature. Its design isn’t chasing trends, which is one reason I believe it will age remarkably well. Years from now, its proportions are likely to look just as purposeful as they do today.
A Twin-Turbo V8 That Still Feels Special
Press the start button and the 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 settles into a deep, restrained idle. It’s not obnoxiously loud, but there’s enough bass in the exhaust note to remind you that this isn’t an ordinary Audi.
With 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque delivered through Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, the numbers are undeniably impressive. What surprised me most, however, wasn’t how quickly the RS 6 accelerates. It was how effortlessly it builds speed.
On winding roads, the engine never seems to run out of breath. The torque arrives early and stays consistent, allowing you to focus on choosing the right line rather than chasing the perfect gear. Even after several spirited drives, the drivetrain never felt strained. Instead, it delivered the kind of confidence that encourages you to keep driving long after you originally planned to head home.
Remarkably Comfortable for Everyday Driving
Many cars capable of supercar-like acceleration become tiring after an hour behind the wheel.
The RS 6 isn’t one of them.
One of the biggest surprises during my time with the car was just how refined it felt during normal daily use. Leave it in Comfort mode and the adaptive air suspension smooths out broken pavement with impressive composure. Expansion joints, rough city streets, and uneven highways never upset the chassis. The ride remains composed without feeling disconnected from the road.
Road and wind noise are impressively subdued, making long highway journeys genuinely relaxing. The front sport seats strike an excellent balance between lateral support and long-distance comfort, while visibility is far better than many performance SUVs or exotic sports cars. After several hours of driving, I stepped out feeling refreshed rather than fatigued.
Switch into Dynamic mode, however, and the personality changes almost instantly. Steering gains weight, throttle response sharpens, the transmission holds gears longer, and the suspension firms noticeably. That transformation is one of the RS 6’s defining characteristics. Few vehicles switch so convincingly between luxury grand tourer and serious performance machine with the press of a button.
An Interior That Prioritizes the Driver
Audi continues to produce some of the most thoughtfully designed interiors in the luxury segment, and the RS 6 is no exception.
The RS-specific digital displays are crisp and easy to configure, the Virtual Cockpit presents essential information clearly, and the infotainment system responds quickly without feeling cluttered. Physical controls remain for key functions, reducing the need to navigate endless touchscreen menus while driving.
Material quality is exceptional throughout the cabin. Soft leather, Alcantara, carbon fiber trim, and brushed aluminum create an atmosphere that feels premium without becoming ostentatious. Every switch, button, and control operates with the precision you’d expect from a flagship Audi.
What impressed me most wasn’t any single feature but how naturally everything worked together. The technology serves the driver rather than demanding attention. After only a short time behind the wheel, every control feels intuitive, allowing you to focus on the road instead of searching through menus.
Why the RS 6 Avant Performance Could Become a Future Classic
Some collector cars become valuable because they’re produced in limited numbers.
Others earn legendary status because they represent the end of an era.
The 2026 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance has a compelling case for becoming both.
Performance cars are rapidly transitioning toward hybrid and fully electric powertrains. While those vehicles will almost certainly become faster, recreating the emotional character of a twin-turbocharged V8 working in harmony with Audi’s mechanical quattro system may prove impossible. The experience is about far more than acceleration figures. It’s about the sound, the effortless surge of torque, and the mechanical confidence that defines every drive.
History suggests that enthusiasts gravitate toward vehicles marking important turning points. The original Audi Quattro, the first-generation R8 V8 and V10, and several iconic RS models have all become increasingly desirable because they captured a unique moment in Audi’s performance history.
The RS 6 Avant Performance feels poised to join that conversation. It blends everyday usability with extraordinary engineering in a way that may become increasingly rare as the industry evolves.
Ownership Is About More Than Performance
Buying an RS 6 isn’t simply purchasing a fast wagon. It’s choosing a vehicle that can genuinely replace multiple cars in your garage.
It offers the practicality of an SUV, the comfort of a luxury sedan, and the performance of a genuine sports car without feeling compromised in any of those roles. Add Audi’s renowned quattro system, and it becomes a vehicle capable of handling changing weather conditions with confidence throughout the year.
Will ownership involve premium maintenance costs? Certainly. High-performance luxury cars are never inexpensive to maintain. Yet for buyers considering a vehicle in this segment, the breadth of capability helps justify the investment. Few competitors can match the RS 6’s ability to excel at so many different tasks.
More importantly, it remains a car you’ll likely look back on with pride years after buying it. That emotional connection is difficult to quantify, but it’s one of the qualities that separates memorable cars from merely expensive ones.
Final Thoughts
After spending meaningful time with the 2026 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance, it’s easy to understand why enthusiasts speak about it with such admiration.
Its greatest strength isn’t simply the astonishing acceleration or the beautifully finished cabin. It’s the way every component works together to create an experience that feels remarkably complete. Whether you’re navigating city traffic, covering hundreds of highway miles, or carving through a favorite stretch of winding pavement, the RS 6 always feels perfectly suited to the moment.
As the automotive industry moves steadily toward electrification, cars like this are becoming increasingly uncommon. Future performance models may deliver greater speed and efficiency, but reproducing the character, balance, and everyday usability of Audi’s twin-turbocharged V8 performance wagon will be an enormous challenge.
For anyone considering the RS 6 Avant Performance today, my advice is simple: don’t think of it solely as a luxury performance wagon. Think of it as one of the last great expressions of everything Audi Sport has spent decades perfecting.
Years from now, I suspect enthusiasts won’t just remember the RS 6 Avant Performance as one of the best fast wagons ever built.
They’ll remember it as one of the finest Audis ever made.
After spending a full week behind the wheel of the all-new 2026 Honda Prelude, I walked away impressed, not because it’s trying to be a hardcore sports car, but because Honda has created something that feels genuinely refreshing in today’s market.
The Prelude isn’t built to compete with track-focused performance cars. Instead, it’s designed for drivers who want a stylish coupe that’s fun to drive every day, packed with technology, comfortable on long trips, and incredibly efficient. If you’re shopping for a car that stands out without sacrificing practicality, the Prelude deserves a serious look.
First Impressions
The first thing you’ll notice is the design. The Prelude has a low profile that turns heads without being flashy. It’s modern, elegant, and unmistakably Honda. Throughout my week with the car, people regularly asked about it at gas stations and parking lots, proving Honda has created something that captures attention.
Inside, the cabin feels far more premium than most buyers might expect from a Honda coupe. The digital instrument cluster, head-up display, Bose premium audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Google Built-In, heated seats, and quality materials make every drive enjoyable. Everything is laid out exactly where it should be, making the car easy to live with from day one.
What It’s Like to Drive
The biggest surprise wasn’t the performance; it was how balanced the Prelude feels.
The hybrid powertrain delivers smooth acceleration and instant response around town while remaining exceptionally quiet. Whether I was navigating city traffic or cruising on the highway, the car always felt refined and effortless.
Honda also gives drivers several driving modes, including Comfort, Sport, Individual, and Shift Mode. Comfort is perfect for commuting, while Sport sharpens the car’s personality when the road becomes more interesting. Shift Mode adds another layer of driver involvement using the paddle shifters, making the Prelude feel more engaging than most hybrids I’ve driven.
What impressed me most was the suspension. The adaptive dampers, multi-link suspension, and Brembo front brakes give the Prelude a confident, planted feel through corners without sacrificing ride comfort. It’s a coupe you can enjoy on a winding road, but one that’s equally happy during your daily commute.
One of the Prelude’s biggest strengths is its efficiency.
Outstanding Fuel Economy
Honda estimates up to 44 MPG combined, which means you can enjoy the style and driving experience of a sporty coupe without constantly worrying about fuel costs. During a full week of driving, it became clear this is a car you can comfortably use every single day.
That’s a huge advantage over many traditional sporty coupes that require premium fuel and significantly more trips to the gas station.
Technology and Safety
Honda didn’t cut corners when it comes to technology.
The Prelude includes Honda Sensing, featuring Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. These systems worked naturally throughout my time with the car, adding confidence without feeling intrusive.
Wireless smartphone integration, wireless charging, multiple USB-C ports, and Google Built-In make the technology experience feel modern and intuitive.
Who Should Buy the Prelude?
After a week behind the wheel, I think Honda knows exactly who this car is for.
If you’re looking for a comfortable daily driver that offers excellent fuel economy, premium features, modern technology, distinctive styling, and a driving experience that’s more engaging than the average hybrid, the Prelude checks nearly every box.
It’s especially appealing for buyers who may have considered a compact luxury coupe but appreciate Honda’s reputation for reliability and lower ownership costs.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Honda Prelude isn’t trying to relive the past, it creates its own identity.
It’s stylish without being impractical, efficient without feeling boring, and comfortable without losing the fun that has always been associated with the Prelude name. After spending a week driving it, I came away believing Honda has successfully built a coupe that makes sense in today’s market.
If you’re shopping for a vehicle that’s different from the sea of SUVs and crossovers but still practical enough to drive every day, the new Prelude should absolutely be on your test-drive list.
For me, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just the impressive fuel economy or the technology; it was how complete the entire package feels. Honda has built a coupe that’s enjoyable to own, rewarding to drive, and practical enough to serve as your only vehicle. That’s not an easy balance to achieve, but the 2026 Prelude does it remarkably well.
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