The World Car Finals powered by Brembo has declared Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, as the 2026 World Car Person of the Year. He has been at the helm of BMW since August 2019 and is being honored for guiding the premium automaker through a significant transformation. This era includes the highly anticipated launch of the new generation of vehicles known as the Neue Klasse.

Career and Contributions at BMW

Oliver Zipse’s background as an engineer includes academic training in computer science, mathematics, and mechanical engineering. He began his career with BMW in 1991 and has held various leadership roles throughout the organization. Before his appointment as Chairman, Zipse was Head of Production and also served as Managing Director at BMW’s facility in Oxford, UK. His current position will conclude shortly, but he will leave behind a legacy marked by the largest technical transformation in the company’s history with the Neue Klasse initiative.

Strategic Vision and Achievements

Under Zipse’s guidance, BMW adopted a “technology-open” strategy that emphasizes electrification, digital innovation, and sustainability, while also improving combustion and hybrid powertrains. This balanced approach has helped the BMW Group maintain its profitability and strength amid rapid changes in the global automotive landscape.

Reflections on the Honor

In response to the recognition, Zipse remarked that the award signifies more than just his contributions. He stated, “I am honored to be named World Car Person of the Year 2026. To me, this is much more than just an award for my tenure as BMW’s CEO; it highlights our strategic direction and the courage we have shown in pursuing our largest project, the Neue Klasse.” He credited the dedication and innovative spirit of BMW’s employees for the successful advancement of the programme.

Industry Recognition

Jens Meiners, World Car Awards Chair Emeritus, commended Zipse’s steady leadership during challenging times for the automotive sector. He remarked, “Oliver Zipse has had a remarkable career at BMW, steering the business through the most turbulent of times to become the strong, forward-thinking, financially secure company we see today.” Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo, noted that the award highlights exemplary leadership within the automotive industry and praised Zipse for his long-term vision.

Nominations and Selection Process

The finalists for the 2026 World Car Person of the Year were announced on February 10, featuring Zipse along with David Craig, Staff Product Manager at General Motors, and Tisha Johnson, Head of Design at Slate. The winner was determined by a panel of 98 esteemed automotive journalists from 33 countries, including Yogendra Pratap, Editor of Auto Today, who based their decision on the most significant contributions made to the global automotive sector over the past year.

Previous Award Recipients

Notable past recipients of the World Car Person of the Year award include Stella Li from BYD in 2025, Adrian Newey from Red Bull Racing in 2024, and several others from major automotive firms over previous years. This accolade is part of a broader framework of awards that recognizes outstanding achievements in the automotive sector.

The Road to World Car 2026

The World Car Person of the Year award is one of several honors awarded through The Road to the World Car Awards program. This annual initiative tracks jurors as they evaluate eligible vehicles throughout the award season. The current cycle began on September 8, 2025, and will conclude during the New York International Auto Show on April 1, 2026.

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