National Press Release

WUHAN, Hubei, China, March 5 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China Automotive Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAAS), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced that its subsidiary, Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. ("Henglong") plans to have a record monthly production of 85,000 power steering units for passenger vehicles in March 2009, and subsidiary Henglong Wan'an (''WanAn'') matched its record daily production rate of 1,600 units following the Chinese New Year in response to a large number of new orders.

Henglong is focused on the large-scale production of high-quality power steering products. WanAn is focused on manufacturing steering pumps for the Company's customers.

Mr. Qizhou Wu, Chief Executive Officer of China Automotive Systems, stated, "We are beginning to see results from the government stimulus packages targeting the general economy and also the auto industry. Small-engine vehicles with low emissions have been growing particularly fast in early 2009 in response to the incentives in the stimulus for both the urban and rural markets.''

About CAAS

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 1.3 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., Dongfeng 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.

    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: ktheiss@hfgcg.com

SOURCE China Automotive Systems, Inc.