TORONTO, Canada – January 28, 2025
The World Car Finals Powered by Brembo has reached a historic milestone by naming Stella Li, Executive Vice-President of BYD, as the 2025 World Car Person of the Year. This landmark achievement marks the first time a woman has received this prestigious accolade and highlights BYD as the first Chinese brand to earn a World Car Award.
Celebrating a Trailblazer
Stella Li’s visionary leadership has been instrumental in BYD’s meteoric rise over the past year. Her efforts have fueled the company’s international expansion, spearheaded the debut of groundbreaking global models, and driven BYD to surpass the remarkable milestone of producing its 10-millionth new energy vehicle.
Jens Meiners, World Car Awards Chair Emeritus, praised Li’s transformative impact:
“Stella Li has impressed the World Car judging panel with her exceptional work as a key figure in BYD’s continued global growth. Her international vision and drive have seen BYD become a major player on the automotive stage in a short space of time, and her influence is not only felt within BYD but across the automotive industry as a whole.”
A Stellar Achievement Among Industry Leaders
Li’s recognition is the culmination of a rigorous selection process involving a panel of 96 esteemed international automotive journalists from 30 countries. The jury considered candidates who made the most significant contributions to the global automotive industry in 2024.
The shortlist included two other industry luminaries:
- Ralph Gilles, Chief Design Officer of Stellantis, and
- Simon Humphries, Head of Design and Chief Branding Officer of Toyota.
An Honor Rooted in Innovation
In her acceptance speech, Stella Li expressed deep gratitude, dedicating the award to BYD’s extensive team of 110,000 R&D engineers who drive the company’s innovation.
“I am incredibly honored to receive this prestigious award. This award is the result of the 110,000 R&D engineers at BYD who continue to provide us with the latest technological advances that are reflected in our electric vehicles and Super Hybrid DM-i technology. I am glad to play my part in putting these sustainable technologies in the hands of as many consumers as possible around the world.”
Acknowledging a Legacy of Excellence
Li joins an elite group of past winners who have shaped the automotive world, including Adrian Newey OBE (2024), SangYup Lee (2023), and Akio Toyoda (2021). This recognition highlights her as a leader whose influence resonates far beyond her organization, inspiring a new generation of innovators.
A Tribute from Brembo
Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo, added his congratulations:
“We warmly congratulate Stella Li on receiving the Person of the Year award, a prestigious accolade that celebrates her innovative spirit and recognized expertise in the automotive industry. We are honored to be part of this significant occasion, which highlights her outstanding contribution to the sector.”
The Road to the World Car Awards
The World Car Person of the Year award is one of seven categories celebrated annually through The Road to the World Car Awards. This global journey brings automotive excellence into focus as international jurors test, evaluate, and share insights on vehicles across various categories. Their experiences and reviews are showcased on World Car TV.
Looking Ahead
As Stella Li takes her place in history, her achievements underscore the evolving face of the global automotive industry—one increasingly driven by diversity, innovation, and sustainability.
For photos, videos, and further details, visit the World Car Awards website and follow the journey on World Car TV.
Thank you to our 20th Anniversary Partners: AITASTIC Research & Consult, Brembo, the New York International Auto Show, KPMG, and Newspress, whose support makes the World Car Awards program possible.
