BMW chairman Oliver Zipse named World Car Person of the Year 2026

Oliver Zipse, chairman of the BMW Group, has been named World Car Person of the Year 2026, with the jury citing his leadership of the Neue Klasse project and BMW’s technology-open approach to powertrains.

The honour recognises the individual who has had the most positive influence on the global automotive industry over the past year, selected by a 98-member international World Car of the Year (WCOTY) jury. Other finalists for the award included representatives from General Motors and Slate.

1. Neue Klasse cited as BMW’s biggest technical transformation in history
2. BMW’s multi-powertrain strategy highlighted by the WCOTY jury
3. Award decided by 98 automotive journalists from 33 countries

Neue Klasse and BMW’s strategic direction

A key factor behind Zipse’s recognition was his leadership of BMW’s Neue Klasse project, described by the company as its most significant technological transformation to date. The initiative spans new electric vehicles, design, software, digital platforms and next-generation manufacturing systems, with the iX3 slated to be the first Neue Klasse vehicle.

Under Zipse, BMW has followed a “technology-open” strategy, continuing to invest in internal combustion, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric powertrains in parallel. This approach has allowed BMW to respond to differing market conditions and regulations while maintaining profitability and sales momentum across regions.

Commenting on being named 2026 World Car Person of the Year, Zipse said the recognition was “much more than just an award” for his time as BMW’s CEO. He added that it reflected BMW’s strategic direction and the decision to commit to the Neue Klasse, calling it the company’s biggest project to date. Zipse also said the honour belonged to BMW’s employees, stating that it recognised their “dedication, passion and pioneering spirit” and that the Neue Klasse shows what can be achieved through collective effort and long-term focus.

Leadership background and tenure at BMW

Zipse has led BMW AG as chairman of the Board of Management since August 2019, after spending his entire career at the company since joining in 1991.

Before becoming CEO, Zipse held several senior roles across production, development and corporate strategy. These included serving as head of production for BMW Group and managing director of BMW’s Oxford plant in the UK, gaining deep operational and manufacturing experience.