Although women have always been key decision makers in car purchases, whether it’s in households or individually, car manufactures have only recently began designing cars specifically for them. But what does it take to build the perfect car for women?

Product Communications Manager for GMSA, Tim Hendon says that women tend to demand more in a car than men do, particularly in terms of safety and value. He believes that they are most likely to study their car options more carefully in making a purchase decision.

Michael Albano of GM's global design group confirms that women's influence in the automotive market is now at an all-time high, even citing that 85 percent of all vehicle sales decisions are influenced by women with women buying 45 percent of all vehicles. (This information is based on car registration numbers only and does not reflect households where vehicles are shared.)

According to Albano women also look for an inviting and classy interior. "Storage is very important to women car buyers as well, whether it be for groceries, handbags, kids' toys, foldable seats or built-in car booster seats," he added.

When it comes to exteriors, "women want great designs, but without any compromise on safety and efficiency," Albano noted.

It is no surprise then that many top design engineers are women, several of whom (along with the guys) at GM worked together to design the new Cadillac CTS which gets here later on in the year.

Liz Pilibosian, chief engineer for the 2008 Cadillac CTS, said: "when you make a car for a woman, you are going to satisfy everybody."

Pilibosian said female engineers at GM don't just work on interiors. "We have women working on the power train, electric systems, control systems and vibration. All of our women are very hands-on types who aren't afraid of touching anything or taking it apart or putting it back together. They are passionate about cars."

So the smallest detail such as the door handles are designed keeping in mind that women drivers may have long fingernails and need a door handle that's easier to hold and open. The exterior styling on the CTS too was designed to appeal to both sexes.

Whats the conclusion then? Women want sophistication, elegance, safety, sporty and beautiful design and most of all value for money.