Stella Li, Vice President of BYD, has etched her name in history as the first woman to win the prestigious World Car Person of the Year award. The recognition is a significant milestone, not just for her but also for BYD, as it marks the first time a Chinese automaker has secured an official World Car of the Year (WCOTY) accolade. This achievement highlights the growing influence of Chinese companies in the global automotive landscape.
Stella Li’s win is a testament to her exceptional leadership at BYD, where she has played a pivotal role in driving the company's strategic growth and global expansion. Under her leadership, BYD has reached notable milestones, including the production of its 10-millionth new energy vehicle in 2024. The company’s success is also reflected in the launch of new models and the expansion into international markets, positioning BYD as a major player in the automotive industry.
In addition to her role at BYD, Li has also been instrumental in promoting sustainability through electric vehicle (EV) technology and Super Hybrid DM-i technology. Her efforts have paved the way for the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies in mainstream vehicles, making significant contributions to reducing the automotive industry's carbon footprint.
The World Car Person of the Year award was decided by a panel of 96 international automotive journalists from 30 countries, including Dhruv Behl, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of autoX. The judges recognized Li for her invaluable contributions to the automotive industry and praised her vision and leadership in steering BYD to success. This achievement is not only a personal triumph for Li but also a reflection of BYD's transformative journey on the global stage.
Jens Meiners, Chair Emeritus of the World Car Awards, commended Li for her exceptional work at BYD, which has significantly contributed to the company’s growth and global recognition. According to Meiners, Li's leadership and international vision have allowed BYD to become a prominent force in the global automotive industry, and her impact extends far beyond the company, influencing the entire industry.
In her acceptance speech, Stella Li expressed her gratitude for the recognition, attributing the award to the collective efforts of BYD's 110,000 R&D engineers. She credited them for their continuous innovation in electric vehicle technology and their commitment to bringing sustainable technologies to consumers worldwide. Li’s vision of providing accessible and environmentally friendly transportation solutions is evident in BYD's global expansion and its commitment to leading the EV revolution.
Alongside Li's award, the World Car Awards also unveiled the top 10 finalists vying for the 2025 World Car of the Year title. In addition to the World Car of the Year category, finalists for other prestigious awards, including World Electric Car, World Performance Car, and World Luxury Car, were also announced. These categories celebrate the best of the automotive world, recognizing excellence in performance, innovation, and luxury. The top three finalists for each category will be revealed in April, with the winners set to be announced at the 2025 New York International Auto Show.
This year’s World Car Awards will mark the 20th anniversary of the partnership between the World Car Awards and the New York International Auto Show. The collaboration has helped the awards become a globally recognized event, celebrating automotive excellence and innovation across various categories. The 2025 World Car Awards promises to be an exciting milestone in the history of the event.
Conclusion: A Historic Milestone for BYD and Stella Li
Stella Li’s recognition as the 2025 World Car Person of the Year highlights her outstanding contributions to BYD’s success and the global automotive industry. As the first woman to receive this honor, Li’s achievement is not only a personal triumph but also a significant step forward for the automotive sector, particularly in terms of gender representation and the influence of Chinese automakers on the world stage. Under her leadership, BYD’s future looks bright as it continues to innovate and lead the charge in electric vehicles and sustainable technologies.