The 25th edition of the AUTOBEST Awards celebration took place in Vienna, Austria, on March 19th, 2026, at NH Vienna Conference Center, under a refreshed event concept: the AUTOBEST Awards Festivity.
This year, AUTOBEST introduced a new format, moving from the traditional gala evening to a business lunch dedicated to honouring the winners of the AUTOBEST 2026 Awards in a more focused and contemporary setting. This is aligned with one of the most important transformations in AUTOBEST history: the arrival of AUTOBEST CONQUEST 2026.
The decision reflects the strategic evolution of AUTOBEST as it enters a new era, with CONQUEST becoming the revolutionary platform through which millions of European car users now actively participate in the voting process alongside the AUTOBEST Jury.
The AUTOBEST Awards Festivity once again brought together leading figures from the automotive industry, senior executives from major international brands and representatives of awarded companies, celebrating excellence across eight major categories.
Opening the AUTOBEST Awards Ceremony, the Chairman & Founder of AUTOBEST – Dan Vardie, stated in his speech:
`We are continuing to scrutinise the auto industry, closely following every field, every manufacturer, every new car coming in Europe. At AUTOBEST, we do not have a dogmatic approach, meaning that we simply check the facts, tests, analyses and figures, without promoting any technology, manufacturer or personality of the industry because of emotional reasons.
The AUTOBEST Awards of 2026 follow exactly these principles established 25 years ago. We have the privilege today to have with us the winners of our awards, which are simply considered the Oscars of the industry! It is a status reached in a quarter of a century! `
MANBEST 2026 and TECHNOBEST 2026 awarded to BYD
One of the central moments of the event was the recognition of BYD through two major distinctions.
Stella Li, Executive Vice President of BYD and President of BYD America, was awarded as the newest inductee into the MANBEST Hall of Fame — AUTOBEST’s global gallery dedicated to the most influential top managers in the automotive industry.
The award recognises her decisive contribution to BYD’s global expansion and her role in accelerating the brand’s transformation into a leading electric mobility powerhouse.
Although unable to attend due to a last-minute schedule change, Stella Li addressed guests through a video message, stating that the recognition belongs to BYD’s engineering strength and global community:
“This award belongs to our R&D engineers, to all BYD employees, and to millions of customers globally who trust our technology and support our journey.”
On behalf of Stella Li, receiving the `MANBEST 2026` recognition on stage was Maria Grazia Davino, BYD Europe Regional Managing Director for Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Nordics.
At the same ceremony, TECHNOBEST 2026 was awarded to BYD’s Super e-Platform Flash Charging, recognised for introducing ultra-fast charging capability with up to 1000 kW peak charging power.
SMARTBEST 2026 awarded to Polestar, received by CEO Michael Lohscheller
SMARTBEST 2026 was awarded to Polestar for integrating Google Maps live lane guidance directly into the driver display, debuting on the Polestar 4.
The award recognises a major advancement in intelligent onboard navigation and driver assistance.
The distinction was received personally by Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, a long-time friend of AUTOBEST, who underlined that:
“Despite the brand’s relatively recent creation in 2017, such recognition confirms the strength of Polestar’s direction and belongs equally to the company’s engineers, designers and other teams.”
COMPANYBEST 2026 awarded to Toyota
COMPANYBEST 2026 was presented to Toyota for its outstanding global performance and balanced multi-pathway strategy in mobility.
The AUTOBEST Jury recognised Toyota’s continued global leadership, supported by its broad product philosophy and diversified electrification approach.
The award was received by Monica Perez Lobo, Vice President Sustainability, Toyota Motor Europe, together with Patrick Scheelen, European Lead, Communications, Lexus & Gazoo Racing.
SPORTBEST 2026 awarded to Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds
SPORTBEST 2026 was awarded to Jeff Dodds, Chief Executive Officer of Formula E, for his major contribution to elevating Formula E’s global profile and accelerating its strategic development.
Unable to attend due to the inaugural Madrid E-Prix, Jeff Dodds sent a video message to AUTOBEST Jury members and guests:
“This award is a huge honour, but it belongs to the whole Formula E team. Eleven years ago, nobody imagined we would reach over 400 million fans worldwide while becoming the most sustainable sport in the world.”
SAFETYBEST 2026 awarded to Pirelli Cyber Tyre
SAFETYBEST 2026 was awarded to Pirelli for Cyber Tyre, one of the world’s first integrated tyre-based systems capable of collecting and transmitting tyre data in real time directly to the vehicle. The innovation was recognised for its contribution to active safety and intelligent vehicle interaction.
The award was received by Corrado Rocca, Head of R&D Cyber Unit, together with Stefano Marzola, Global Head of Product Communications.
ECOBEST 2026 awarded to Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric
ECOBEST 2026 was awarded to the Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric for its strong contribution to highly accessible urban electric mobility. The AUTOBEST Jury recognised its practicality, compact architecture and relevance for future city mobility. ECOBEST 2026 is the first major award presented to the new Renault Twingo E-Tech Electric.
The prize was received by Marion Joly, Twingo Product Leader, together with Anne Ricord, Renault Brand Communication Manager Europe Markets.
A STAR IS BACK awarded to Honda Prelude
The A STAR IS BACK distinction was awarded to the Honda Prelude, celebrating the return of an iconic automotive nameplate with a modern technological interpretation.
The award was received by Gerald Heinecke, Department Manager, Corporate Communications & External Affairs for Germany and Central Europe.
The countdown continues: AUTOBEST CONQUEST Show Grand Finale on March 28
At the same time, AUTOBEST now enters the final stage of its most ambitious transformation: AUTOBEST CONQUEST 2026.
Officially launched on January 19th, 2026, at 20:26 CET, CONQUEST opened the voting process to millions of European consumers, who now vote, together with the AUTOBEST Jury, for the title of Best Buy Car of Europe.
The six finalists are:
- BYD Dolphin Surf
- Citroën C3 Aircross
- Fiat Grande Panda
- Ford Puma Gen-E
- MG S5 EV
- Renault 4
Public voting remains open on AUTOBEST official platforms until the first half of the live show.
The final results will then be revealed live during the AUTOBEST Conquest Show, on March 28th, 2026, starting at 18:00 CET, broadcast live on the AUTOBEST YouTube channel.
Marking a major transformation in AUTOBEST history, the Conquest Show replaces the traditional gala format with a full live entertainment production and will announce the winners live in what is expected to become an unprecedented first in the automotive industry.
AUTOBEST invites automotive enthusiasts, professionals and consumers across Europe to follow this landmark moment and take part in the future of automotive recognition.
ENDS
Contact
Andreea Oglan
PR Coordinator, AUTOBEST
pr@autobest.org
