• National Distribution Services Division (NDSD) will be operational on July 1

• Appointed by Ford Motor Company and Changan Automobile, Henry Li will serve as president, NDSD, and Cao Zhenyu, will serve as executive vice president, NDSD

• NDSD will simplify the dealership experience for its customers and offer them more choices in one place

CHONGQING, June 6, 2018 – Ford Motor Company and Changan Automobile jointly announced today the top leadership for the newly established National Distribution Services Division (NDSD) as part of the Changan Ford (CAF) joint venture. The new division will become operational on July 1.

Appointed by Ford and Changan Automobile, Henry Li will serve as president, NDSD, and Cao Zhenyu, will serve as executive vice president, NDSD. Pending final approval from the CAF Board of Directors, these appointments mark a new milestone in Ford’s In China For China strategy by strengthening its leadership with more top local talent.

Henry Li, 50, brings considerable knowledge and insight to Ford’s brand, partners, dealers and customers. At his previous company, Li built a highly efficient, profitable and sustainable distribution network in China.

“Henry’s rich industry experience and deep understanding of the Chinese market and customer make him the absolute best person to lead the NDSD,” said Peter Fleet, Ford group vice president and president, Asia Pacific, and chairman and CEO, Ford China. “This appointment and the establishment of the NDSD further demonstrates our strong commitment to China, and to our partnership, by offering a tested talent to lead a simplified, improved and consistent approach to our Ford brand and customers in this critical market.”

Li brings 26 years of marketing and sales experience in China’s auto industry. Prior to joining Ford in May as vice president of marketing and sales, Ford Greater China, Li served as senior executive vice president of Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Company. In this role, Li led the team that drove China to become the largest single market for the company globally, and established a highly efficient, profitable national distribution network, driving the monthly sales year-over-year increase in China for 59 consecutive months.

Cao Zhenyu, 44, is currently serving as the executive deputy general manager of CAF Sales Branch Company. Cao brings with him more than 20 years of experience in sales and customer relations. Before joining CAF, he held many critical leadership positions in CA, including deputy general manager of Changan Passenger Vehicles Sales Business Unit; executive deputy general manager of Changan Passenger Vehicles Sales Business Unit; executive deputy general manager of Changan Overseas Business Development Department and general manager of Changan International Sales Company.

“As one of the pioneers who established the marketing and sales function for Changan’s passenger vehicles, Cao Zhenyu participated in and witnessed the extensive growth of the Changan passenger vehicle business,” said Zhang Baolin, deputy general manager of China South Industries Group Corporation, chairman of Changan Automobile and chairman of Changan Ford Motor Co., Ltd. “His extensive knowledge and experience in marketing and sales fields will propel the Changan-Ford National Distribution Services Division to the next level. The strategic alignment between Changan Automobile and Ford Motor Company to establish NDSD in China demonstrates a stronger long-term partnership between both parties."

Beginning operations July 1, the NDSD will progressively assume responsibility for the marketing, sales and service of all Ford-branded passenger vehicles sold in China. It will replace the current CAF sales company. Li and Cao will work closely together to play a significant role in launching and leading the NDSD in China, simplifying the dealership experience for Chinese customers and offering them more choices in one place.