Punch Powertrain Hires Former Valeo Exec as CEO

Punch Powertrain (PP), a major supplier of powertrain and transmission solutions for the auto industry, has chosen Jorge Solis, who previously who held senior positions at Wabco and Valeo, to a position of its new CEO. The job position became vacant last spring when long-term Punch CEO Cor van Otterloo passed away.

It is expected that this appointment will facilitate the company’s development and expansion across global markets, while adjusting its product portfolio to the needs of car manufacturers, who are currently shifting to hybridization and electrification of their line-up. Another important goal for Mr. Solis will be to optimize the company’s international delivery chain.

Jorge Solis

With more than two decades of experience, Mr. Solis knows what it takes to keep the company competitive in the fast-growing automotive industry. Prior to that he served as vice-president of the vehicle dynamics business unit at Wabco. Before being appointed in Wabco in 2010 he worked at Valeo for almost sixteen years.

According to PP representatives, despite the present industry instability, the company has promising contracts with OEMs, which will give a big boost to future growth. The company mainly provides CVT transmission units to its Asian customers, including BAIC Group, Dongfeng, Geely and Proton.

Lean more about Punch Powertrain and its products

In 2018, PSA Group and PP unveiled their plans to enter into a joint venture (JV) agreement to manufacture the new electrified transmission (e-DCT). It is expected that the production process will be launched in 2022. New transmissions will be produced at PSA's factory in France. The plant will have an annual capacity of 600,000 units. Punch's main manufacturing facilities are located in China and Belgium and their total production capacity reaches up to one million units per year.