18th richest man in China

Zuo Zongshen
Age: 48
Birthplace: Chongqing
Education: MBA (part-time), junior high school

Main company:
Zongshen Group

Company headquarters: Chongqing
First listing: Shenzhen (July 2001)
Main industries: Motorcycles and engines
Wealth: $240 million, based on Zuo's share of the group's net assets in 2000

From a motorcycle repair shop in 1982, Zuo, whose education was cut short by the Cultural Revolution, has grown Zongshen to one of the world's largest motorcycle companies with annual production of 1 million motorcycles and 18,000 employees. Based in Chongqing, the motorcycle heart of China, Zongshen runs China's first international motorcycle racing team. Zongshen has diversified into producing engines for outboard motors.