National Press Release

WUHAN, China, March 11 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- China Automotive Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAAS), a leading power steering components and systems supplier in China, today announced that Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Automotive Co., Ltd. (''Shashi Jiulong''), CAAS's subsidiary specializing in producing power steering systems for commercial vehicles in China, recovered its production to normal levels in February 2009 and expects to produce 45,000 units of power steering in March 2009, a new record for monthly production, in response to new orders.

The Company's customers, including Shanxi Provincial Automobile Industry Group Co., Ltd. (''Shanqi'') and Beiqi Futon Motor Company (''Beiqi Futon''), have been among the fastest-growing commercial vehicle OEMs in China over the past few months. Both companies are already among the top 10 commercial vehicle manufacturers in China.

Mr. Qizhou Wu, China Automotive Systems's CEO, commented, ''We see an early sign of recovery in the commercial vehicle market in China from the stimulus plan enacted by the Chinese government. We expect that the fast-growing infrastructure build-out is likely propelling truck sales. CAAS is well positioned to benefit from the infrastructure expansion as it already has many leading commercial vehicle OEMs as customers. We have utilized the recent low growth period for commercial vehicles, to improve the facility and complete equipment maintenance. Now, we are ready to increase production to meet rising demand again.''

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.