China Automotive Systems Enters into Fiat Chrysler EPS System Procurement Program

WUHAN, China, Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- China Automotive Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAAS) ("CAAS" or the "Company"), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced it has begun commercial production of steering gears to supply to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' (NYSE: FCAU or "FCA") electric power steering (EPS) systems for a new C-SUV model set to launch in 2017.

The Company has begun shipping these newly designed steering gears from its brand new, state-of-the-art, automated assembly plant located in Jingzhou, Hubei Province, China to FCA's new C-SUV assembly plant in Toluca, Mexico. 

Mr. Qizhou Wu, Chief Executive Officer of CAAS, commented, "We have been in Chrysler's global sourcing program since 2009. In the past 7 years, as a key tier-one supplier, we have won a number of accolades for our superior quality and outstanding performance in Chrysler's award winning models. As a result, our business in the North American market has exceeded 500,000 units of steering products on an annual basis. We continue to expand our product portfolio and production capabilities to extend our market leadership in China."

"We remain upbeat with the prospects of our EPS business at home and abroad. Our EPS systems execute lane-keeping and self-parking functionalities, which are the cornerstones for driverless vehicles. We are well positioned for more opportunities and collaboration with OEMs and technology companies," Mr. Wu concluded.

About China Automotive Systems, Inc.

Based in Hubei Province, the People's Republic of China, China Automotive Systems, Inc. is a leading supplier of power steering components and systems to the Chinese automotive industry, operating through eight Sino-foreign joint ventures. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers four separate series of power steering with an annual production capacity of over 5.5 million sets of steering gears, columns and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading auto manufacturers, such as China FAW Group, Corp., Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., BYD Auto Company Limited, Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. in China, and Chrysler Group LLC in North America. For more information, please visit: http://www.caasauto.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are "forward-looking statements" as defined under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding the qualitative and quantitative effects of the accounting errors, the periods involved, the nature of the Company's review and any anticipated conclusions of the Company or its management and other statements that are not historical facts. Our actual results may differ materially from the results described in or anticipated by our forward-looking statements due to certain risks and uncertainties. As a result, the Company's actual results could differ materially from those contained in these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2016, and in documents subsequently filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We expressly disclaim any duty to provide updates to any forward-looking statements made in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact:

Jie Li 
Chief Financial Officer 
China Automotive Systems, Inc. 
Email: [email protected]

Investor Relations 
646-726-6511
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE China Automotive Systems, Inc.