Gasgoo, a Chinese automotive information platform, has announced the winners of its 2026 Golden Award for influential figures in China's auto industry. The award, now in its eighth year, recognizes six executives from major supply-chain companies for their contributions to the country's shift toward electrification, intelligence and global expansion, according to the Chinese outlet.
The honorees include Li Xiaoqiu, global vice president and China president of BorgWarner; Heiko Lässig, general manager of Forvia Hella's Asia headquarters and executive vice president of finance for China; and Sun Xiaoguang, senior vice president and general manager of TE Connectivity's automotive and industrial-commercial transportation divisions in China. Also recognized were Wang Chenglong, vice president of Gentherm and managing director for Asia; and Li Linfeng, founder and CEO of Hiway, a Chinese automotive display and electronics supplier.
Supply chain in focus
The award comes as China's auto industry accelerates its push into electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Gasgoo's 2026 Golden Award program focuses on the country's top 100 new supply-chain companies, covering areas such as ADAS and autonomous driving, smart cockpits, intelligent chassis, automotive-grade chips, automotive software and artificial intelligence, powertrain electrification, charging and battery-swap infrastructure, and new materials.
Battery swap, a technology that allows EV owners to exchange depleted batteries for charged ones at stations, is among the key areas highlighted by Gasgoo as part of its assessment of supply-chain innovation.
The award aims to honor companies and individuals who demonstrate leadership in supply-chain innovation, technological breakthroughs and sustainable development, Gasgoo said. The organization also announced that applications for the 2027 Golden Award are now open, inviting innovators from the global automotive sector to participate.
Industry context
The recognition comes at a time when Chinese automakers and suppliers are increasingly looking beyond domestic borders. Gasgoo's annual theme for 2026 is “Chinese solutions go global,” reflecting the industry's push to expand into overseas markets and participate in global automotive transformation.
While the award itself is not tied to a specific vehicle launch or sales figure, it underscores the growing importance of supply-chain players in China's EV ecosystem, which includes battery makers like CATL and automakers such as BYD, Nio, Xpeng and Li Auto. These companies have driven China to become the world's largest EV market, with policies supporting BEVs (battery-electric vehicles) and PHEVs (plug-in hybrids) alike.
The Golden Award winners were selected by a jury committee, Gasgoo said, without providing further details on the selection process or criteria.
