Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, has been honored as the 2025 World Car Person of the Year, making history as the first woman to receive the prestigious title since its inception in 2018. This also marks a significant achievement for BYD, positioning it as the first Chinese automaker to win a World Car Award.
Li was selected by a distinguished panel of 96 international automotive journalists from 30 countries, including Autocar India’s Hormazd Sorabjee and Renuka Kirpalani. The competition featured notable industry leaders such as Ralph Gilles, Chief Design Officer of Stellantis, and Simon Humphries, Head of Design and Chief Branding Officer at Toyota.
Her recognition comes as a testament to her instrumental role in BYD’s global expansion, spearheading market entries, launching innovative models, and overseeing the production of BYD’s 10-millionth new energy vehicle.
Jens Meiners, World Car Awards Chair Emeritus, praised Li’s impact, stating:
“Stella Li has played a pivotal role in BYD’s rise as a dominant force in the automotive industry. Her leadership, vision, and dedication have not only shaped BYD’s global presence but also influenced the industry at large.”
Expressing her gratitude, Li acknowledged the contribution of BYD’s 110,000-strong R&D team, attributing the brand’s success to cutting-edge advancements in EV and Super Hybrid DM-i technology. She emphasized her commitment to making sustainable mobility accessible to consumers worldwide.
Previous Recipients of the Award:
- 2024: Adrian Newey OBE (Red Bull Racing)
- 2023: SangYup Lee (Hyundai & Genesis Global Design)
- 2022: Luc Donckerwolke (Hyundai Motor Group)
- 2021: Akio Toyoda (Toyota)
- 2020: Carlos Tavares (PSA Group)
- 2019: Sergio Marchionne (FCA, Ferrari)
- 2018: Håkan Samuelsson (Volvo Car Group)
With this accolade, Stella Li cements her legacy as a transformative leader in the automotive industry, driving BYD’s innovation and sustainability efforts on a global scale.
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