The car industry is constantly changing – the car itself could even become obsolete. These are the disruptors who are pushing those boundaries
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
He Xiaopeng, chairman, Xpeng
“Elon Musk is now better than me, but I might be better in future,” said He Xiaopeng in a 2018 interview. Five years later, his EV brand Xpeng is well established in its native China, has begun selling in Europe and is recognised worldwide as a leader in autonomous driving technology and affordable, long-range battery hardware – not dissimilar to the reputation of one particular American outfit.
Xiang Li, CEO, chairman, Li Auto
In 2019, newly founded Li Auto sold just 1000 cars. Cut forward four years and the Chinese firm is confident that it can surpass 40,000 sales per month by the end of 2023. Founder and CEO Xiang Li said recently: “We’re confident that 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,” pointing to the firm’s leading position in self-driving car development and competitive EV line-up.
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 is responsible for creating 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.” No quote better sums up Mate Rimac’s future-thinking ideologies and pragmatic ethos. Or maybe it’s his remark that “all future cars will be self-driving”, despite his firm currently being best-known for its 2000bhp EV hypercar and partnership with Bugatti. The Croatian doesn’t just know what the future holds for automotive, he’s shaping it – and some of the world’s longest-established car brands are taking notes.
RJ Scaringe, CEO, Rivian Automotive
Beating Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota and – perhaps most crucially – Tesla to the electric pick-up truck market is perhaps Rivian’s biggest claim to fame. But not content with one-upmanship, founder RJ Scaringe is leading the firm on a path to prominence in a raft of vehicle segments and technology sectors. Rivian plans to launch a 1200bhp halo model and small affordable SUV in the coming years, plus it aims offer its EDV delivery van to other customers beyond Amazon, will build a new $5bn factory in Atlanta and is working on a Tesla-esque network of Rivian-specific fast chargers across the US.
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber
When 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 characteristic aplomb, even as the shared mobility sector 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 his background in engineering and a passion for innovation, Vogt’s work continues to shape the future of transportation and AI. His commitment to pushing boundaries and creating transformative solutions has earned him recognition as a trailblazer in the tech industry.
Peng Jun, co-founder and CEO, Pony.ai
Pony.ai hit headlines recently when it partnered with 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 the co-founder and CEO of shared mobility service Didi Chuxing, Wei revolutionised the global ride-hailing industry by creating a user-centric platform that connects millions. His leadership has propelled Didi to become a tech giant, offering not only ride-hailing but also autonomous driving and other mobility solutions. The service currently has more than 550 million users worldwide, and has been named as one of the world’s most influential new companies.
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 will be available to download on 18 October.
