While many aftermarket manufacturers are not located in Chiina’s Hubei Province, the epicenter of the coronavirus outbreak, moves to contain the disease and widespread uncertainty have affected all. In this context, Jobber Nation presents an update from China Automotive Systems, Inc., (CAAS) a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, as an indicator of the industry returning to production.

As of March 10^th, CAAS’s production centers in Wuhu Henglong (Wuhu, Anhui Province), Brilliance Henglong (Shenyang, Liaoning Province) and Chongqing Henglong (Chongqing City) have resumed their full operations with returned workers and managerial personnel. Approximately 1,000 workers have reported to their posts in the Company’s main production center in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province. Over 47,000 units of steering systems have been produced and shipped since the reopening of the production centers. CAAS’s corporate headquarters in Wuhan has been temporarily relocated to Jingzhou City until further notice from the Wuhan government.

While the recovery of full production capacity is proceeding rapidly, the Company has successfully and thoroughly managed the post-epidemic health inspection and surveillance.  As of the date of this press release, there have been no confirmed or suspected cases of infection.

Mr. Qizhou Wu, Chief Executive Officer of CAAS, commented, “Being in the epicenter of the outbreak, we are very proud of the remarkable progress we made to quickly return to production. After the required quarantine period, we have taken over a few local hotels to supplement our existing corporate dormitory, and centrally managed our staff and attended to their needs from preventive medicare to transportation to dining.”

“We are optimistic that all our production and other corporate activities will shortly be back to full operation.”

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 6 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.