At the beginning of China's reform and opening-up, Minnesota native Steve Chapman made his way to China, gave himself a Chinese name – Cao Si De – and worked his way up to become the Group Vice President for China and Russia at American engine-making giant Cummins. The company invested in China during the early years of reform and opening-up. Today, Cummins works with numerous Chinese automakers either through joint ventures or wholly-owned production factories, becoming an integral part of the modernization of China's engine industry. China is now the largest overseas market for engine makers outside the United States.