Tong Zhiyuan Joins Geely to Operate Volvo

During the year in a non-mainstream car company-Huatai Automobile Co. from June 2008 to December 2009, Tong Zhiyuan was marginalized. Today, the Chairman of Huatai who has faded away for several years now came back, with the help of Geely’s acquisition of Volvo, according to the Jinghua Times.

According to the Geely’s internal appointment book, on December 15 Tong Zhiyuan was positioned as Chief Operating Officer of China’s Volvo Auto Project which is a new position and project. But it is not clear whether the so-called project is the Volvo China; or does it refer to the Geely’s ownership of Volvo.

In spite of the uncertainty in the power range, Tong Zhiyuan’s return to the mainstream is a certainty. The 47-year-old amiable Mr. Good will surely take full use of his strength in technology-based management and diligently refine the image of Geely under the spotlight from the media. Perhaps, this is very perception which his fellow-villager Li Shufu most longing for. Nevertheless, the promise of non-domestic producing to the Swedish government and trade unions committed by Li Shufu must be the burden on Tong’s shoulder in the future.

Tong Zhiyuan was born in November, 1962 in Yongkang of Zhejiang Province. The admission to Department of Mechanical Engineering of Zhejiang Institute of Technology in 1980 contributed to his close and tight association with mechanism. After graduating from college, Tong Zhiyuan continued further study in Beijing University of Technology. After postgraduate study was finished in 1987, Tong Zhiyuan didn’t go back to Zhejiang. He joined Beijing Jeep and just had set up for a short time as an engineer of art and craft room of engine. After 10 years of experience, Tong Zhiyuan was assigned as Executive Manager of Beijing Jeep in 1997, when he was 35. Three years later, he was promoted to director and executive vice president of Beijing Jeep. Tong Zhiyuan continued to serve as senior executive vice president, the first hand of the side of China, when Beijing Jeep changed into Beijing Benz in 2005. The Mercedes-Benz E-class and C-level luxury cars have been introduced into China and localized one after another under his charge.

Many years ago he actually had also presided over the development of China’s first independent SUV concept car-Challenger Jeep 2500 and second-generation military car-Warrior. Watching the military parade on National Day, he recalled the outcome of the research and development on the second-generation military vehicles with great emotion, according to the Jinghua Times.

In June 2008, with a little disappointment Tong Zhiyuan left BAIC where he worked for 21 years and turned to Huatai Auto, under Zhang Xiugen’s command. He abandoned the position of vice manager and chief engineer of BAIC, where no much room left for him to perform. But Huatai is also not sizable for him, to him; it is a transient stop, which has been proved in future. Tong Zhiyuan is dedicated, decisive and honest in the eyes of former leaders and colleagues; modest and approachable in the eyes of the media. When asked why he chose auto industry as his career two years ago, he said, “I believe I made a correct decision. A person can’t be too greedy or satisfied with current status. I will carry on to struggle.”(Translator: Qinghua/Sailor)

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