Over half (54%) of the UK’s automotive industry directors are now under the age of 50 according to figures from Experian, the global information services company.

Younger aged directors increased significantly in numbers, with the biggest increase coming from directors aged up to 29 years old (53% increase on last year) followed by those aged between 30 and 34 years old (26% increase).

All age groups of 55 years and above saw a drop in numbers.

The highest concentration of directors in the automotive industry are in the 45 to 49 year age group (16% of the total figures), which is a younger age group than last year when it was in the 60 and 69 years age group (17%).

The analysis of the database also revealed that the number of female directors in the automotive industry is on the increase. Female directors in the automotive industry now make up 19% of the total number of directors in this sector. However, women tend to be older when they achieve director status, with the most common age group being 60 to 69.

Kirk Fletcher, managing director of Experian’s Automotive division, said: “The automotive landscape has traditionally been dominated by older men and although the situation is generally still the same, this latest analysis suggests that changes are taking place. Not only are directors getting younger, but more and more female directors are entering the industry.”

The figures are based on ‘company directors’ as registered at companies house and the director analysis was undertaken using data contained on Experian’s national business database.