On Monday, the World Car Awards five candidates for the 2022 World Car Person of the Year were announced. The finalists include Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors.
To be eligible, award candidates must have made a significant contribution to the global automotive industry with global repercussions from January 1 to December 31, 2021 (not limited to one market or region). That contribution could include a significant impact on their brand or company, such as a significant safety, engineering, design or technical advancement or other significant benefits for the consumer.
This year’s top five finalists represent the best and most accomplished men and women in the industry in very personal and different ways. The top finalists in alphabetical order include Shailesh Chandra,Managing Director, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, who has managed a remarkable turnaround for his brand in a highly challenging year. His electrification strategy is significant on an international scale, his products have been widely lauded for their advances in design and technology.
Hyundai Motor Group's Executive Vice President for Design and Chief Creative Officer Luc Donckerwolke has launched a number of highly innovative new models, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Genesis GV60 and Kia EV6. In addition, his restomod (a classic car that has been restored but modified with modern parts and technology) Pony and Grandeur models paid homage to Korea's great and often neglected automotive heritage.
As creators and executive producers of Netflix's Formula 1 Drive to Survive format, James Gay-Rees and Paul Martin - as a team - have done invaluable work to popularise Formula One and motorsports on a global scale.
Corvette's Executive Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter has overseen the launch of an entirely re-engineered, mid-engine Corvette, a vehicle that captures the imagination of enthusiasts globally like few others. Upcoming variations like the Z06 and a hybridised all-wheel-drive version will push the proverbial envelope further.
Ford F-150 Lightning Chief Engineer Linda Zhang has led the development of the fully electric Ford F-150, a vehicle seen as pivotal in winning over truck buyers to electrification. The vehicle is brimming with new ideas and is expected to act as a 'game-changer' for Ford and the entire industry.
Yesteryears
Previous World Car Person of the Year recipients were Akio Toyoda, President and CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation (2021), Carlos Tavares, CEO of PSA Group (2020), the late Sergio Marchionne, CEO, FCA; Chairman, CNH Industrial; and Chairman and CEO, Ferrari (2019) and Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO, Volvo Car Group (2018).