China Automotive Systems signs supply contract with R&B, enters U.S. aftermarket

China Automotive Systems, Inc. has entered into its first aftermarket supply contract in the United States with R&B, a major aftermarket supplier. The company supplies power steering components and systems to Chinese automakers, and says that it is looking forward to attracting more customers in North America.

"This is an important step for China Automotive Systems. As a provider of a key safety-related components, we are very proud that we have passed the strict testing and all evaluation processes by a major U.S. aftermarket supplier," says Qizhou Wu, the company's chief executive officer. "We are confident that our products reflect quality, reliability and favorable cost advantages."

With this agreement and the first shipment of power steering products, China Automotive Systems has officially entered the U.S. auto parts aftermarket. R&B conducted a strict selection process in China before entering into the agreement with China Automotive Systems. Since May 2006, both companies' engineering teams have collaborated closely on the design and development of two power steering models. One model is intended as a replacement power steering product for the Volvo S40 automobile. Other terms of the contract were not disclosed.

For more information about China Automotive Systems, visit the company's Web site.