Thousands of female university students are writing off potential careers in the automotive industry without even applying, according to the results of a new survey released today by Autocar.

The new research reveals that only 3.5% of female university students would definitely consider a career in the automotive industry - although 35% say that they may do so. But 61.5% of female university students say they will not be considering the automotive industry as a future career option at all.

The figures are very different for male students; 61% of them say they are very interested in the motor industry, and 39% say they would definitely not consider a career in the sector.

The research showed vast regional differences, at the top of the table more students from east midlands are looking to join the motor industry, followed by Scotland, north east, west midlands, south east, London, Yorkshire and Humberside, south west, East Anglia, Northern Ireland and north west. No students from Wales that responded to the survey are looking to the motor industry for their future career.

Autocar conducted the research in March 2011 as an integral element of the launch of the its Autocar Courland Next Generation Award 2011.

The Autocar-Courland Next Generation Award is a national competition to identify, support and develop top automotive talent of the future. Entrants from UK universities are invited to answer a brief set of questions by Autocar's editor-in-chief, Steve Cropley.

Paul Everitt, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive, said: “With world renowned R&D facilities, top level engineering operations and a diverse mix of design, testing, manufacture, service, retail and marketing functions, the automotive sector offers one of the most varied and rewarding career paths for school leavers and graduates.

“Being part of a global industry, particularly one that is leading the transition to low carbon, can be highly rewarding. Students entering the industry in the coming years will experience one of the most exciting periods in automotive history as we make ever greater environmental progress while providing even safer, more technologically advanced vehicles to suit the diverse needs of future motorists.”