Cox Launches Technician Diversity Campaign – Maintenance

Cox Automotive on Jan. 12 unveiled its Project Pink campaign that recognizes diversity amongst its fleet services and Manheim technicians while supporting breast cancer awareness.

Icie Hinton, a female trailer shop technician with Cox Automotive Fleet Services and a graduate of Cox Automotive’s FleeTec Academy, created this initiative to honor and recognize women’s crucial role within the transportation industry and as an indication of support for those fighting breast cancer. Women make up just 3.6% of all auto mechanics.

Project Pink features pink uniforms for female technicians at Cox Automotive. Hinton developed the thought while participating in Cox Automotive’s “Women Who Wrench,” a yearlong mentoring program that pairs female technicians with those in leadership roles. “This pink uniform helps normalize the thought of a girl proudly wrenching,” Hinton said in a news release. “I hope these uniforms act as a catalyst to normalize women doing tough and dirty jobs which are traditionally perceived as exclusively masculine.”

In collaboration with Cintas, Cox Automotive has developed high-quality, durable uniforms that meet safety regulations while offering comfort. The uniforms, embellished with the Cox Automotive Fleet Services or Manheim logos, are greater than just work attire; they’re an announcement of commitment and community. In addition they show how Cox Automotive is working to draw, recruit, and develop female talent who’ve been underrepresented in a historically male-dominated field.

At first, eight female technicians received these special uniforms. Nevertheless, Cox Automotive envisions expanding this initiative and involving male allies to broaden its impact and reach. “On a granular level, this pink uniform is a conversation starter with my peers,” Hinton said. “It’s created meaningful connections with my coworkers who compliment my uniform colours and even jokingly express jealously saying, ‘How did you get a pink uniform? Where can I get my pink uniform?!’ It’s an amazing technique to proceed to construct strong skilled relationships with male colleagues on this small but meaningful way.”

“The impact that Icie Hinton, amongst other female technicians, is making through Project Pink is remarkable,” said Son Wing, lead trailer repair technician and mentor to Hinton. “Their involvement on this cause isn’t just inspiring; it’s transformative. Icie’s leadership on this campaign reflects the spirit of change and empowerment that we try for at Cox Automotive.”