BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse Named 2026 World Car Person of the Year

BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse has been named the 2026 World Car Person of the Year. This announcement comes ahead of April 1, when winners across all 2026 World Car Awards categories will be revealed. Zipse, who boasts a 35-year career at the Bavarian firm, has played a key role in shaping BMW’s strategy, overseeing numerous developments and strategic initiatives. One of his most notable accomplishments is guiding the development and strategic launch of the Neue Klasse platform, which marks the biggest transformation in BMW’s history. The award comes at a significant moment, as Zipse prepares to step down from his role in May 2026. That said, the legacy of his leadership, highlighted by BMW’s most ambitious technological transformation, will be remembered for years to come.

For those unaware, Zipse began his journey at BMW in 1991, steadily moving up through roles in production, development, and management before taking the helm as Chairman in 2019. Over his tenure, he guided the company through crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and worldwide supply chain disruptions, while maintaining BMW’s focus on innovation and strategic growth.

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Commenting on being named 2026 World Car Person of the Year, Oliver Zipse said, ‘I am honoured 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 is a recognition of our strategic course and the courage we have shown to pursue the company’s biggest project ever, the Neue Klasse. And, most importantly, it is an award for all BMW employees. Therefore, I would like to thank all our associates: for their dedication, their passion, and their pioneering spirit. The Neue Klasse is a prime example of the remarkable achievements that can be made possible by this collective effort.’

Neue Klasse Platform

The Neue Klasse platform, which will debut with the iX3, represents the most significant technological leap in the company’s history. By the end of 2027, BMW plans to roll out more than 40 new or updated models built on this platform, highlighting the scale of Zipse’s vision.