SORL Auto Parts Inc, a brake system manufacturer in China, has entered into a joint venture with Hong Kong-based MGR to expand SORL's global sales and distribution network. The new joint venture will be named SORL International Holding Ltd (SIH), and its management team will consist of professionals with multinational auto parts background.
Through its sales network of 28 authorized distributors covering seven regions, SORL sells its products to all key truck manufacturers and a total of 62 vehicle manufacturers in China. In 2008, SORL generated more than US $130 million in revenue. Exports currently count for 35.5% of SORL's revenue in 2008. Total export sales in 2008 increased by 6.9% compared to that in 2007.
Jean Francois Barth has been appointed as the managing director of SIH. Previously, he served as the global vice-president at WABCO Holdings and the general manager for its Worldwide Aftermarket Business Unit.
Hamid Hamri is the new sales and marketing director, Middle East and Africa. He used to serve as the director of Aftermarket and OEM Middle East and Africa.
Craig Jackson was named sales and marketing director at SIH. He was director of Aftermarket Asia Pacific with WABCO, during which he created the Aftermarket Parts and Service distribution network across Asia Pacific.