Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD, has been named the 2025 World Car Person of the Year, marking the first time the honor has been awarded to a woman and to an executive from a Chinese automaker.
A jury of 96 automotive journalists from around the world selected Li for her role in BYD’s international expansion in 2024. Her leadership helped drive the company’s global model debuts and market entries, contributing to BYD surpassing the milestone of producing 10 million electric and hybrid vehicles.
See also: BYD Expands Footprint in Japan with Plug-In Hybrid Launch and New EV Models
BYD Executive Vice-President, Stella Li, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 World Car Person of the Year title by leading automotive journalists worldwide.
With the efforts of all staff, BYD achieved significant milestones in 2024, including the production of its 10 millionth… pic.twitter.com/rPH1MD7cDt
— BYD Global (@BYDGlobal) January 28, 2025
“Stella Li has been instrumental in BYD’s rapid international growth, bringing the company’s electric mobility vision to new markets,” the World Car Awards organization said in a statement.
See also: BYD to Complete $1 Billion EV Plant in Indonesia by End of 2025
Li was chosen over Ralph Gilles, head of design at Stellantis, and Simon Humphries, Toyota’s chief branding officer and global design chief. The 2024 World Car of the Year award will be presented at the New York International Auto Show on April 16.
