BYD executive vice president Stella Li has become the first woman to win the World Car Person of the Year award.

It follows BYD’s sales successes in 2024 and was presented to Ms Li as part of the World Car Awards.

Ms Li won the awards, which are compiled by 96 automotive journalists from 30 countries, to beat finalists from Stellantis and Toyota despite BYD not yet selling its cars in the United States.

Stella Li

Previous winners include Formula One designer Adrian Newey and Toyota Motor Corporation chair Akio Toyoda.

Ms Li, who has also held the position of president of BYD Americas for the past 14 years, is the first woman to win the award in its 21-year run.

BYD also became the first Chinese car-maker to receive a gong in the annual World Car Awards.

It was recognised for market share growth in its home market of China and for its ‘new energy’ vehicles (encompassing hybrid, electric and alternative fuels such as hydrogen) gaining significant market share in new markets including Brazil and Mexico, and expanding across key regions including Europe.

Last November, BYD produced its 10 millionth new energy vehicle. It now employs a million people worldwide, including over 110,000 staff in its research and development division.

BYD’s 23,000rpm electric motor in the Sealion 7 SUV was a specific engineering feat mentioned by judges.

Ms Li said: “The 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.”