BYD Tops Global Automotive Innovation Ranking, First Chinese Automaker to Lead Since 2005

Published: Apr 22, 2026 11:13

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On April 21 (local time), the Center of Automotive Management (CAM) released its “Automotive Innovation Report 2026”. Chinese automaker BYD ranked first in the global automotive innovation ranking with 157 points, surpassing last year’s leader Volkswagen (143 points). Mercedes-Benz came in third with 134 points.

XPeng ranked fourth with 128 points, followed by BMW and Geely Group in fifth and sixth places. Renault, Toyota, General Motors, and Hyundai also made the top ten.

This marks the first time since the launch of the “Automotive Innovation Study” in 2005 that a Chinese automaker has taken the top position.

According to CAM, the ranking evaluates automakers based on their performance in electrification, intelligent technologies, and overall innovation capabilities.

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