The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

China Automotive Systems Reports 2009 Second Quarter Results

       - Net sales of $62.5 million set new quarterly sales record;
               quarterly sales grew 34.4% year-over-year -

WUHAN, China, Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- China Automotive Systems, Inc., (the "Company"), , a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009.

  2009 Second Quarter Highlights:

  -- Net sales increased to a quarterly record of $62.5 million, reflecting
     a 34.4% year-over-year growth;
  -- Net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2009 were $107.2 million;
  -- Net income attributable to common shareholders was $6.1 million,
     reflecting a 28.1% year-over-year growth with diluted earnings per
     share of $0.21;
  -- 2009 second quarter non-GAAP diluted EPS was $0.24, versus $0.14 in the
     second quarter of 2008, despite 9.0% greater number of diluted shares
     outstanding in the 2009 second quarter;
  -- Unrestricted cash was $39.6 million; and
  -- Net cash flow from operations was $15.8 million for the six months
     ended June 30, 2009.

Net sales for the second quarter of 2009 represented a 34.4% year-over-year increase to $62.5 million, the highest quarterly sales in the Company's history. Second quarter sales were almost $16 million above the sales in the second quarter of 2008 of $46.5 million, and were 39.8% above the $44.7 million in the 2009 first quarter sales.

Net sales for the second quarter of 2009 from steering products for passenger and light-duty vehicles increased by 45.3% year-over-year to $41.8 million, compared with $28.7 million in the same quarter of 2008. Net sales from steering products for commercial vehicles for the second quarter of 2009 increased 7.9% year-over-year to $14.6 million, from $13.6 million reported in the same quarter in 2008. Net sales from oil pumps and sensors for the second quarter of 2009 increased 48.5% to almost $6.0 million from $4.0 million in the same quarter in 2008.

Gross profit in the second quarter of 2009 was $18.5 million compared with $14.5 million for the same quarter in 2008, and $12.2 million in the 2009 first quarter, reflecting a 27.9% year-over-year increase and a 51.7% quarter-over-quarter increase respectively. The gross margin in the second quarter of 2009 was 29.6%, compared with 31.1% in the second quarter last year, and 27.3% in the first quarter of 2009.

Operating income increased by 112.9% year-over-year to $11.6 million in the second quarter of 2009, compared with $5.5 million in the same quarter in 2008, and was 64.4% above the $7.1 million in the first quarter of 2009. The increase in gross profit combined with lower operating expenses, primarily from a decline in general and administrative expenses and lower depreciation and amortization costs generated this increased income.

Net income attributable to common shareholders was $6.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2009, or $0.21 per diluted share, compared with $4.7 million, or $0.18 per diluted share in the same quarter in 2008, and compared with $2.2 million, or $0.08 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2009. The diluted weighted average shares outstanding were 31.5 million in the second quarter of 2009 compared with 28.8 million in the second quarter of 2008.

  Summary of Financial Results
  (US dollars except shares outstanding)             For the Three Months
                                                        Ended June 30,
                                                      2009           2008

  Net income attributable to common shareholders  $6,076,349     $4,744,355
    Amortization related to convertible note
     discount                                        348,638         81,879
    Interest expenses of convertible note            262,500        262,500
    (Gain)/Loss on change in fair value of
     derivative                                      977,435     (1,014,262)
  Pro forma Net Income                             7,664,922      4,074,472
    Adjustment to diluted EPS                           0.05          (0.02)
  Pro forma diluted EPS                                $0.24          $0.14
  Diluted avg. number of common shares            31,446,402     28,834,380

As of June 30, 2009, total cash and cash equivalents were $47.8 million, as compared with $43.8 million as of December 31, 2008. Stockholder's equity increased to $113.8 million as of June 30, 2009 from $104.6 million as of December 31, 2008. Working capital reached $48.7 million. Total account and notes receivables were $121.5 million reflecting higher sales. Equipment and machinery increased by $5.8 million as the Company purchased equipment to enhance its production capacity.

Key Accomplishments in the Second Quarter of 2009:

On April 14, 2009, the Company announced that the R&D center of Henglong had evolved into the leading automotive steering technology research operation in China, as the Company enters the global steering market. Since 2006, the R&D center developed 28 power steering-related national patents, including 2 inventions and 26 utility model patents. New products have been manufactured by the Company for more than 20 domestic and foreign automotive OEMs, and sales totaled over RMB 847 million by the end of 2008. Among new steering technology being developed are: low-noise power steering technology, stabilizing power steering valves, electric power steering (EPS), electronically controlled hydraulic power steering (EHPS), and other innovative technologies. The R&D center also develops proprietary manufacturing equipment and processes.

On April 7, 2009, the Company's subsidiaries, Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co., Ltd., ("Henglong"), and Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co., Ltd., ("Jiulong"), were recognized as High-Tech Enterprises by the Chinese Government, which qualified the two subsidiaries for a preferential income tax rate of 15% through 2011. Henglong and Jiulong were the two largest contributors to revenues and together, provided over $12 million of net income in 2008.

2009 Outlook

The Company adjusted upward its revenue guidance for 2009. The Company now expects its revenue to increase by more than 20% for the year 2009. This target is based on the Company's current contracts from existing customers, which are subject to change.

Conference Call

Management will conduct a conference call on Wednesday, August 12 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to discuss these results. A question and answer session will follow management's presentation.

To participate, please call the following numbers 10 minutes before the call start time and ask to be connected to the China Automotive Systems conference call:

  Phone Number: +1-877-407-9205 (North America)
  Phone Number: +1-201-689-8054 (International)

In addition, the conference call will be broadcast live over the Internet at: http://www.caasauto.com/ .

Please go to the web site at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary software.

A telephone replay of the call will be available after the conclusion of the conference call through 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, August 26, 2009. The dial-in details for the replay are: U.S. Toll Free Number +1-877-660-6853, International dial-in number +1-201-612-7415; using Account "286" and Conference ID "329237" to access the replay. The internet audio stream will also be available until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, August 26 at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

About China Automotive Systems, Inc.

Based in Hubei Province, 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 seven Sino-foreign joint ventures. The Company offers a full range of steering system parts for passenger automobiles and commercial vehicles. The Company currently offers 4 separate series of power steering and 307 models of power steering with an annual production capacity of 1.1 million sets, steering columns, steering oil pumps and steering hoses. Its customer base is comprised of leading Chinese auto manufacturers such as China FAW Group, Corp., Donfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd., Beiqi Foton Motor Co., Ltd. and Chery Automobile Co., Ltd., etc. For more information, please visit: http://www.caasauto.com/ .

Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations or beliefs, including, but not limited to, statements concerning the Company's operations, financial performance and, condition and the impact of acquisitions on its financial performance. For this purpose, statements that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that these statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, among others, the impact of competitive products, pricing and new technology; changes in demand for the Company's products; changes in consumer preferences and tastes; and effectiveness of marketing; changes in laws and regulations; fluctuations in costs of production, delays and cost overruns related to developing and opening new production facilities; and other factors as those discussed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.

                      China Automotive Systems, Inc.
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited, US dollars)

                                             Three Months Ended June 30,
                                               2009               2008
  Net product sales, including
   $1,314,247 and $747,405 to related
   parties for the three months ended
   June 30, 2009 and 2008                 $62,484,279        $46,508,340
  Cost of product sold, including
   $2,812,741 and $2,651,000 purchased
   from related parties for the three
   months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008     43,982,547         32,045,336
  Gross profit                             18,501,732         14,463,004
  Add: Gain on other sales                    172,747            117,710
  Less: Operating expenses-
  Selling expenses                          3,816,301          2,936,835
  General and administrative expenses       2,246,330          4,151,633
  R&D expenses                                444,226            563,295
  Depreciation and amortization               507,341          1,451,064
  Total Operating expenses                  7,014,198          9,102,827
  Income from operations                   11,660,281          5,477,887
  Add: Other income, net                           --                 --
  Financial income (expenses) net            (478,228)          (459,140)
  Gain (loss) on change in fair value
   of derivative                             (977,435)           995,153
  Income before income taxes               10,204,618          6,013,900
  Less: Income taxes                        1,474,618           (415,458)
  Net income                               $8,730,000         $6,429,358
  Net income attributable to
   noncontrolling interests                 2,653,651          1,685,003
  Net income attributable to common
   shareholders                            $6,076,349         $4,744,355
  Net income per common share-
  Basic                                         $0.23              $0.19
  Diluted                                       $0.21              $0.18
  Weighted average number of common
   shares outstanding -
  Basic                                    26,983,244         24,880,071
  Diluted                                  31,466,402         28,834,380

                                             Three Months Ended June 30,
                                              2009                 2008
  Net income                               $8,730,000          $6,429,358
  Other comprehensive income:
  Foreign currency translation gain (loss)   (187,750)          2,785,709
                                            ---------          ----------
  Comprehensive income                     $8,542,250          $9,215,067
  Comprehensive income attributable
   to non-controlling interests             2,667,188           2,119,778
  Comprehensive income attributable
   to common shareholders                  $5,875,062          $7,095,289

                                              Six Months Ended June 30,
                                               2009                2008
  Net product sales, including
   $1,873,258 and $2,798,487 to
   related parties for the six months
   ended June 30, 2009 and 2008          $107,181,725         $87,975,383
  Cost of product sold, including
   $4,986,222 and $4,603,390 purchased
   from related parties for the six
   months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008     76,482,162          61,300,009
  Gross profit                             30,699,563          26,675,374
  Add: Gain on other sales                    239,626             251,900
  Less: Operating expenses-
  Selling expenses                          6,175,467           5,412,176
  General and administrative expenses       4,048,032           5,767,783
  R&D expenses                                884,148             738,973
  Depreciation and amortization             1,078,754           2,745,791
  Total Operating expenses                 12,186,401          14,664,723
  Income from operations                   18,752,788          12,262,551
  Add: Other income, net                           --             199,459
  Financial income (expenses) net            (917,708)           (438,447)
  Gain (loss) on change in fair value
   of derivative                           (2,538,283)            995,153
  Income before income taxes               15,296,797          13,018,716
  Less: Income taxes                        2,924,288             408,937
  Net income                              $12,372,509         $12,609,779
  Net income attributable to
   noncontrolling interests                 4,037,348           3,435,250
  Net income attributable to common
   shareholders                            $8,335,161          $9,174,529
  Net income per common share-
  Basic                                         $0.31               $0.37
  Diluted                                       $0.29               $0.36
  Weighted average number of common
   shares outstanding -
  Basic                                    26,983,244          24,422,429
  Diluted                                  31,719,477          27,394,392

                                              Six Months Ended June 30,
                                               2009               2008
  Net income                              $12,372,509         $12,609,779
  Other comprehensive income:
  Foreign currency translation
   gain (loss)                               (202,329)          6,097,038
                                          -----------         -----------
  Comprehensive income                    $12,170,180         $18,706,817
  Comprehensive income attributable
   to non-controlling interests             4,046,468           4,797,468
  Comprehensive income attributable
   to common shareholders                  $8,123,712         $13,909,349

                         China Automotive Systems, Inc.
                     Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

                                         June 30, 2009   December 31, 2008
   US dollars                             (Unaudited)

  ASSETS
  Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents               $39,555,309         $37,113,375
  Pledged cash deposits                     8,280,299           6,739,980
  Accounts and notes receivable, net,
   including $2,108,230 and $1,285,110
   from related parties at June 30,
   2009 and December 31, 2008             121,466,435          96,424,856
  Advance payments and other,
   including $400,890 and $9,374 to
   related parties at June 30, 2009
   and December 31, 2008                    2,256,519           1,442,614
  Inventories                              26,754,416          26,571,755
  Total current assets                   $198,312,978        $168,292,580

  Long-term Assets:
  Property, plant and equipment, net      $56,116,786         $51,978,905
  Intangible assets, net                      723,244             504,339
  Other receivables, net, including
   $998,447 and $903,674 from related
   parties at June 30, 2009 and
   December 31, 2008                        1,369,831           1,349,527
  Advance payments for property, plant
   and equipment, including $3,651,235
   and $2,473,320 to related parties at
   June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008      4,368,370           6,459,510
  Long-term investments                        79,041              79,010
  Deferred income tax assets                2,637,462           2,383,065
  Total assets                           $263,607,712        $231,046,936

  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Current liabilities:
  Bank loans                               $8,782,330          $7,315,717
  Accounts and notes payable, including
   $1,803,688 and $1,097,642 to related
   parties at June 30, 2009 and
   December 31, 2008                       78,913,062          59,246,043
  Convertible notes payable                28,429,062          32,922,077
  Derivative liabilities                    4,042,857           1,502,597
  Customer deposits                           258,020             236,018
  Accrued payroll and related costs         2,886,378           2,715,116
  Accrued expenses and other payables      13,312,169          12,460,784
  Accrued pension costs                     3,794,216           3,806,519
  Taxes payable                             8,623,760           5,717,438
  Amounts due to shareholders/directors       564,290             337,370
  Total current liabilities              $149,606,144        $126,259,679

  Long-term liabilities:
  Advances payable                            233,815             234,041
  Total liabilities                      $149,839,959        $126,493,720
  Related Party Transactions
   and balances
  Commitments and contingencies
  Stockholders' equity:
  Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value -
   Authorized - 20,000,000 shares
   Issued and outstanding - None                  $--                 $--
  Common stock, $0.0001 par value -
   Authorized - 80,000,000 Shares
   Issued and Outstanding - 26,983,244
   shares at June 30, 2009 and
   December 31, 2008                            2,698               2,698
  Additional paid-in capital               27,148,206          27,148,206
  Retained earnings-
  Appropriated                              8,324,533           7,525,777
  Unappropriated                           43,562,921          36,026,516
  Deferred stock compensation                (375,039)           (500,052)
  Accumulated other comprehensive
   income                                  10,916,056          11,127,505
  Non-controlling interests                24,188,378          23,222,566
  Total stockholders' equity             $113,767,753        $104,553,216
  Total liabilities and
   stockholders' equity                  $263,607,712        $231,046,936

                        China Automotive Systems, Inc.
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited, US dollars)

                                             Six Months Ended June 30,
                                               2009                2008
  Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                              $12,372,509         $12,609,779
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
   from continuing operations to net
   cash provided by operating activities:
  Stock-based compensation                    125,013              95,400
  Depreciation and amortization             3,886,332           4,766,575
  Allowance for doubtful accounts
   (Recovered)                             (1,117,881)            218,515
  Deferred income taxes assets               (253,521)           (398,551)
  Amortization for discount of
   convertible note payable                   506,985             181,328
  (Gain) loss on change in fair value
   of derivative                            2,538,283            (995,153)
  Other operating adjustments                (227,474)             (4,203)
  Changes in operating assets and
   liabilities:
  (Increase) decrease in:
  Pledged deposits                         (1,537,010)            602,009
  Accounts and notes receivable           (23,776,920)        (16,249,120)
  Advance payments and other                 (813,196)         (1,447,803)
  Inventories                                (171,352)         (4,680,059)
  Accounts and notes payable               19,639,466           9,349,207
  Customer deposits                            21,744             456,276
  Accrued payroll and related costs           170,135             (13,849)
  Accrued expenses and other payables       1,512,206             699,033
  Accrued pension costs                       (13,754)            155,338
  Taxes payable                             2,901,849          (2,591,573)
  Net cash provided by operating
   activities                             $15,763,414          $2,753,149
  Cash flows from investing activities:
  (Increase) decrease in other
   receivables                                (55,386)           (408,139)
  Cash received from equipment sales          458,950              96,317
  Cash paid to acquire property, plant
   and equipment                           (6,341,035)         (7,573,715)
  Cash paid to acquire intangible
   assets                                    (321,671)           (101,601)
  Cash paid for the acquisition of
   35.5% of Henglong                               --         (10,000,000)
  Net cash (used in) investing
   activities                             $(6,259,142)       $(17,987,138)
  Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from repayment of bank loans     1,465,006          (7,564,564)
  Dividends paid to the non-controlling
   interest holders of Joint-venture
   companies                               (3,768,668)         (4,697,780)
  (Decrease) in amounts due to
   shareholders/directors                     226,717             (82,610)
  Proceeds on issuance of convertible
   note payable                                    --          35,000,000
  Repayment of convertible note payable    (5,000,000)                 --
  Net cash provided by (used in)
   financing activities                   $(7,076,945)        $22,655,046
  Cash and cash equivalents effected by
   foreign currency                           $14,607          $1,522,990
  Net increase in cash and cash
   equivalents                              2,441,934           8,944,047
  Cash and cash equivalents at
   beginning of period                     37,113,375          19,487,159
  Cash and cash equivalents at
   end of period                          $39,555,309         $28,431,206

  For further information, please contact:

   Jie Li
   Chief Financial Officer
   China Automotive Systems
   Email: jieli@chl.com.cn

   Kevin Theiss
   Investor Relations
   Grayling
   Tel: +1-646-284-9409
   Email: kevin.theiss@us.grayling.com