In 2011, three automaker CEOs, one car dealer and one senior government official proved to be especially influential. While it's not yet clear whether all their bets will pay off, the executives seem likely to leave their imprint on the industry for years to come.

Li Shufu, Chairman, Geely
Volvo's brand had blurred under the stewardship of its former owner, Ford Motor Co. After Geely acquired Volvo last year, Li talked the Swedish carmaker's management team into repositioning the company as a luxury rival to BMW and Mercedes. Meanwhile, Li upgraded Geely's technology with a six-speed automatic transmission developed in-house. "That's a landmark achievement," said John Zeng, Asian forecasting director of LMC Automotive, a consultancy. "No other Chinese company can build it due to the technological complexity."

Miao Wei, Minister of Industry and Information Technology
Now that China is debating the future of EVs, Miao Wei has taken a skeptical, hardnosed view of this fledgling industry. As the former president of Dongfeng Motor Corp., Miao has deep knowledge of China's auto industry. And as the industry's top regulator, he has demonstrated that he will not succumb to wishful thinking about EVs.

Karl-Thomas Neumann, CEO, Volkswagen China
When Neumann became chief of Volkswagen's China operations last year, VW CEO Martin Winterkorn predicted that he "will break new ground in China." Now, Neumann is orchestrating a 10.6 billion euro plan to build four new assembly plants, introduce the Seat brand and defend Audi's status as China's largest luxury automaker.

Pang Qinghua, CEO, Pang Da Automobile Trade Co.
Even after Pang Qinghua built his company into China's largest car distributor group, it was clear that he is not satisfied with the status quo. This year, Pang successfully issued stock on the domestic market. Then he partnered with Zhejiang Youngman Lotus Automobile in an audacious bid to take over Saab Automobile. Though his bid ultimately failed, Pang and his company have established a high profile.

Hu Maoyuan, chairman, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp.
With vehicle sales approaching 4 million units this year, SAIC has reinforced its status as China's largest automaker. Now, company Chairman Hu Maoyuan is preparing to transform SAIC into a global player. His company has reintroduced the MG brand in Europe, and one of its joint ventures with General Motors is preparing to sell microvans in India. Success is not assured, but SAIC has the financial heft to establish an overseas presence.