Chinese automaker BYD earned the title of world's most innovative automaker in the Automotive-Innovations 2026 Report. The Germany-based Center of Automotive Management (CAM) issued the study.
BYD achieved a score of 157 points to claim the top position. Previous leader Volkswagen fell to second place with 143 points. This marks the first time a Chinese company has led the rankings since the study began in 2005.
The results highlight BYD's progress in electrification and intelligent vehicle technology. Mercedes-Benz ranked third in the study. Chinese manufacturers XPeng and Geely also placed within the top ten. This achievement signals a broader trend of rising innovation from Chinese automakers.