Top five finalists for 2023 World Car Person award announced

World Car Awards announced the top five finalists for the 2023 World Car Person of the Year award.

SamgYup Lee

The World Car Person of the Year award is given to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the global automotive industry. Based on the nominations submitted by 100 journalists from 32 countries, here is the list of the five finalists:

1. SamgYup Lee, Executive Vice President, Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Center, Hyundai Motor Company
2. Wang Chuafu, Chairman and President of BYD Co., Ltd.
3. Dr. Stella Clark, Research Engineer Open Innovations, BMW Group
4. Peter Rawlinson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Lucid Motors
5. Naoyuki Sakamoto, Chief Engineer, GR Corolla, Gazoo Racing Company, Toyota Motor Corporation

Looking at the list, Hyundai is looking for a back-to-back victory with Lee following HMC Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke's win at the World Car Person of the Year award last year.

The jurors describe Lee as the “creative mind behind some of the most stunning and innovative concept and production cars unveiled in 2022.” He is part of the development of the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the all-new Kona, and N Vision 74.

Dr. Stella Clark

Also, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has made the top 10 finalists for the 2023 World Car of the Year (WCOTY). Looking to follow the Ioniq 5’s 2022 WCOTY win, the Ioniq 6 is capable of offering a 614 km of electric vehicle (EV) range, a 5.1-second acceleration time from zero to 100 km/h, and a drag coefficient of 0.21.

Chuanfu and Rawlinson are commended for their contributions to the growing electric vehicle (EV) market. Today, BYD is a leading manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries, landing partnerships with companies such as Toyota. Meanwhile, Lucid continues to expand the horizons with its luxury EV cars.

Naoyuki Sakamoto

Dr. Clarke is nominated for her contributions to BMW’s E Ink project, allowing cars to change colors. And lastly, Sakamoto is recognized for his commitment to enhancing Toyota’s performance division, Gazoo Racing. He is responsible for the development of the Toyota GR Corolla, a performance-oriented hot hatch that recently made its ASEAN debut.

The winner of the 2023 World Car Person of the Year will be announced on February 21, 2023.

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