Chinese auto supplier opens U.S. office

China Automotive Systems Inc., which manufactures power steering parts and systems, is opening a sales and research office this month in suburban Detroit.

The five-person office will build contacts with automakers and major suppliers in Detroit, says spokesman Dixon Chen.

All of China Automotive's customers are in China. The company posted sales of $63.6 million in 2005 and $68.5 million in the first nine months of 2006.

Customers include Chery Automobile Co., China FAW Group Corp., Dongfeng Motor Co. and Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd..

Chen says China Automotive has a joint venture with Chery. That alliance is trying to land parts on the small car that the Chrysler group has hired Chery to assemble. The car, expected in a few years, will be exported to the United States and other overseas markets.

China Automotive is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange in the United States. Its stock opened today at $10 a share. In the last year, it has traded between $6.25 and $15.10.