Zongshen Motorcycles

Zongshen is a major Chinese motorcycle and engine manufacturer based in Chongqing, founded by Zuo Zongshen. He started with a small motorcycle repair shop called "Master Zuo" in 1982 before founding the formal Zongshen manufacturing enterprise in 1992 with 500,000 yuan in capital. The company grew into one of China's largest powersports manufacturers, producing motorcycles, quad bikes, generators, and engines, and now claims annual output of over one million motorcycles. In April 2004, Zongshen entered a joint venture with Italy's Piaggio Group. The company also built a competitive racing program: the Zongshen Motorcycle Team, founded in 1999, was the first Chinese team to compete in the World Motorcycle Championship, and won the overall title in the Endurance category in 2002. Zongshen engines are widely used by other manufacturers and third-party builders around the world.