BYD, world’s no. 1 NEV brand has topped the global automotive innovation ranking in the Automotive INNOVATIONS Report 2026 released by the Germany-based Center of Automotive Management (CAM), marking a new milestone for the Chinese automaker. According to the report, BYD ranked first with 157 points, ahead of last year’s champion Volkswagen with 143 points. Mercedes-Benz ranked third with 134 points.
Top 10 Automakers in the 2026 Global Automotive Innovation Ranking
Since CAM launched its Automotive INNOVATIONS study in 2005, this is the first time a Chinese automaker has claimed the top spot in the global ranking. The result highlights BYD’s growing innovation strength and its rising competitiveness in the global automotive industry.