Navistar, Inc. recently announced that Rudi von Meister will lead the company’s efforts in China as the company works to finalize its joint venture agreements with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co. Ltd. (JAC).
“We are proud to have Rudi join the Navistar team and are confident that his leadership background and experience in China will play an important role as we look to expand our business in the Chinese market,” says Troy Clarke, president, Navistar Asia-Pacific.
Von Meister brings to Navistar extensive automotive and commercial vehicle experience specifically focused on the Chinese market. He spent 20 years with General Motors in a number of senior leadership roles of increasing responsibility, helping establish numerous GM operations in China, including GM’s automotive joint venture with SAIC and GM’s Delphi automotive systems business unit. In 2006, von Meister joined Fiat Group and served as general manager of China operations for the Iveco commercial vehicle division and vice president of business development at Fiat China.
Last September, Navistar signed joint venture agreements with Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co. Ltd. (JAC) to develop, build and market advanced diesel commercial engines and advanced commercial vehicles in China.
“I’m proud to be leading our efforts in China with a truly great partner—JAC,” says von Meister. “We’re excited to combine our pioneering expertise in building trucks and engines with JAC’s local knowledge of the Chinese commercial vehicle market and their expertise in commercial vehicle exports to other global markets. This venture with a strong partner such as JAC enables us to understand the market quickly as we grow our business in China.”
