Chen Ailian, founder of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, has gained social media fame for her journey from humble beginnings to leading a multi-billion dollar empire.

Chen Ailian, who has been dubbed as China’s Wheel Queen with a net worth of 11 billion yuan (US$1.6 billion), has trended on mainland social media as an encouraging role model. Four decades ago, she defied gender stereotypes by driving a tractor. As her enterprise in the east of the country grew into a success, Chen rewarded her key employees with 100 BMW cars, the news portal Sina.com reported. The Zhejiang-based Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, founded by Chen, is the global No 1 manufacturer of...