Power List 100 2023 – Disruptors

Within the automotive world, there are those who are pushing it forward by doing something different. Without them, we could still be driving cars with a right-sided clutch pedal – thank you, Mr Ford. Today, these innovations take a different shape, mainly in how we can utilise alternative powertrains, use more eco-friendly materials and building methods, and make electric power not as boring as it maybe sounds. There are also those disruptors who’d like to completely reinvent the car industry, usually by trying to make car ownership obsolete, such as Uber, Cruise and Pony.ai. We celebrate all those within the Power List 100, sponsored by Keyloop. Power List 100 - Disruptors Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber When Dara Khosrowshahi took the top job at Uber in 2017, his priorities were transforming the firm’s less than salubrious public image, making it profitable and expanding into new areas. An intimidating to-do list, but one he has tackled – and continues to add to – with aplomb, even as shared mobility gets set for all-out reinvention. Again. Kyle Vogt, CEO, Cruise Kyle Vogt has left an indelible mark on the fields of robotics and self-driving cars. Co-founder of Cruise, he spearheaded the development of cutting-edge autonomous vehicle technology, revolutionising urban mobility. With a background in engineering, Vogt’s work continues to shape the future of transportation and AI. Peng Jun, co-founder, CEO, Pony.Ai Pony.AI hit headlines recently when it partnered Toyota to produce a fleet of robotaxis using Pony’s level-four autonomous technology and ride-hailing infrastructure. Pony.ai already operates self-driving taxis in various Chinese cities and says its global fleet has collectively driven more than 13 million miles without a hand on the steering wheel. Cheng Wei, CEO, Didi Chuxing Technology As co-founder and CEO of shared mobility service Didi Chuxing, Wei revolutionised ride-hailing by creating a user-centric platform that connects millions. His leadership has propelled Didi to become a tech giant, offering ride-hailing, autonomous driving and other mobility solutions. The service has over 550 million users worldwide. He Xiaopeng, chairman, Xpeng “Elon Musk is now better than me but I might be better in future,” said He Xiaopeng in 2018. Today, his EV brand Xpeng is well established in its native China, has begun selling in Europe and is a leader in autonomous driving technology and affordable, long-range battery hardware – not dissimilar to the reputation of a certain US outfit. Xiang Li, CEO, chairman, Li Auto In 2019, newly founded Li Auto sold just 1000 cars. Four years on, the Chinese firm is confident it can surpass 40,000 sales per month by the end of 2023. Founder and boss Xiang Li said recently: “Our outstanding cash-generation capability and ample cash reserve will support our unwavering commitment to invest in R&D, business expansion and building long-term competitive barriers.” William Li, CEO, Nio An EV advocate whose original motivations were tied to reducing urban emissions rather than a desire for massive profits, William Li has created one of the world’s fastest-growing and most aspirational automotive start-ups. Known for its battery-swap stations and compellingly specified cars, seven-year-old Nio plans to operate in 25 countries – including the UK – by 2025. Mate Rimac, CEO, Rimac Group “Chasing Tesla would be like getting into the CD business in 2002 when MP3 players had arrived,” said leading innovator Mate Rimac. He also believes “all future cars will be self-driving”, despite being known for a 2000bhp EV hypercar and a partnership with Bugatti. He’s shaping the future – and big car brands are taking notes. RJ Scaringe, CEO, Rivian Automotive Rivian is known for beating Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota and Tesla to the EV pick-up market. But CEO RJ Scaringe has broader horizons. Rivian plans to launch a 1200bhp halo model and small SUV in the coming years, plus offer its EDV delivery van to customers other than Amazon. It will build a $5bn factory in Atlanta and is working on a US network of Rivian-specific fast chargers. How are the 100 names in Autocar's Power List chosen? The Power List ranks the world's 100 most influential automotive heads, based on the following criteria: global reach and influence, spending power, share of voice, technological influence, future growth potential and market capitalisation. The top 10 are ranked and the remaining 90 names on the list are grouped into categories, including executives from more traditional car makers to the rising powerhouses from China and the latest technology and mobility companies. These names were chosen by the editors of Autocar Business, the B2B product from the publisher of Autocar, designed to bring industry readers even closer to the inner workings and key players of the global automotive industry. The full list is now available to download here.