- GKN Automotive underpins its ambitions for growth in China with new leader of China business
- Asia Pacific and China automotive expert Shaoling Qiu announced as new President GKN Automotive China
- GKN Automotive is the global leader in Automotive drive systems and the supplier of choice for 90% of global car manufacturers
Shaoling Qiu, who will be reporting directly to GKN Automotive CEO Liam Butterworth and based in Shanghai, is joining from Thyssenkrupp Automotive where he was CEO of its Asia Pacific region and in charge of its China business division. This follows an extensive career in the automotive industry including four years serving as President Dayco China.
Liam Butterworth, CEO GKN Automotive “China is a critically important market for us and Shaoling is joining GKN Automotive at the perfect time. He will be leading our ambitious strategy to continue growing our business in the world’s largest car market.
“Our advanced e-powertrain technologies make us perfectly placed to take advantage of China’s growing appetite for electrified vehicles. We are also intent on boosting our world-leading Driveline business, working with our joint-venture partner SDS. Shaoling has the experience and leadership to help us achieve those goals and I look forward to working closely with him.”
Shaoling Qiu “I am honoured to be joining GKN Automotive, working with Liam and the rest of his leadership team. It is a world-leading business, with a tremendous history of innovation and an impeccable reputation with global car manufacturers. With GKN Automotive’s advanced technologies and unrivalled ability to collaborate with car makers, we have a terrific opportunity to rapidly expand in China. It will be an exciting challenge.”
Notes to editors:
ABOUT GKN AUTOMOTIVE
GKN Automotive is the global leader in drive systems. A global automotive technology company that pioneered electric drive systems and is now driving the future of transportation. It is the trusted partner for most of the world’s automotive companies, specialising in developing, building and supplying market-leading driveline systems and advanced ePowertrain technologies.
GKN Automotive’s world leading Driveline division demonstrates strength in depth, with an extensive portfolio of products that combine value with technical expertise. The technologies span high-volume low-cost vehicles to top end premium cars with complex all-wheel drive driving dynamics. These world-class products are being constantly refined and improved for global customers.
The ePowertrain division offers solutions for all electrified vehicles. It is a go-to technology partner for world leading vehicle manufacturers creating the ultimate electrified driving experience. Its ability to fully integrate eDrive systems derives from its all-wheel drive legacy and leadership. The first system was fitted to a production car over 20 years ago and GKN Automotive eDrive technologies are now powering over 1.4 million electrified vehicles worldwide.
GKN Automotive is headquartered in the UK, operating in 20 countries and employing 27,500 people worldwide.
For further information, please contact: