WUHAN, China – China Automotive Systems, Inc., a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced that it hosted senior executives of BYD at CAAS’ headquarters to plan a strategic partnership for future autonomous driving.
CAAS has supplied more 3 million power steering sets, including electric power steering (“EPS”) units, to BYD over a 20-year partnership. Led by senior vice presidents Mr. Yubo Lian and Bo Wang, the BYD delegation toured the key production plants and R&D center of CAAS, and had a series of meetings focused on core technologies and components to fulfill autonomous driving. They also met with a senior team from Sentient, CAAS’ Swedish subsidiary specializing in autonomous driving software. The two executives test-drove BYD’s Tang model equipped with a customized autonomous driving program designed by CAAS and Sentient.
Mr. Hanlin Chen, Chairman of CAAS, commented, “We have the honor to be in the forefront witnessing BYD’s miracle from prototyping their first car with us to becoming now the world’s largest electric vehicle producer. As the next chapter for automakers around the world is autonomous driving, we are proud to again be the trusted partner for BYD to help further advance their lead in smart vehicles for the future. Sentient is a global leader in foundational technology for autonomous driving and has won installation contracts with global truck OEMs. Together with our leadership in electric power steering systems, electric motors, and electric control software, we provide a total solution to empower leading OEMs like BYD to introduce state-of-the-art experiences to the marketplace.”
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 ten 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 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Ford Motor Company in North America.