China Automotive Systems, which specialises in power steering parts and systems, has reported a tripling of its Q2 profits on sales up nearly 50% to %$36m. As well as serving China's domestic carmakers, CAS recently entered into Volkswagen's global sourcing system, enabling it to take the coveted Tier One title...   more »

Many people in the west would be hard-pressed to name a successful Chinese exporter, as few Chinese companies have invested in building a brand. Now they are being urged to move away from the "pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap" image and instead focus on making their own branded products...    more »

Chinese carmakers are making their first tentative moves into the developed car markets of the west. But in the short-term, their biggest impact is likely to be felt in smaller developing markets like Iran, where Chery has just signed a deal to set up an assembly join venture...   more »

FAW VW was the top carmaker in July and VW's Jetta was also the best-selling model. Volkswagen has been very successful in China but it faces new challenges, such as the competiton that has recently broken out between its two Chinese joint ventures for the hotly-contested mid-range segment...    more »

Good news for long-suffering Alfisti exiled in China. Italy's Fiat plans to introduce the iconic Alfa Romeo marque to China as part of a new accord with China's Chery Automobile. The two carmakers will will form a 50:50 joint venture to produce Alfa Romeo and Fiat cars for the Chinese market. Production will start in 2009 and the target is for 175,000 vehicles a year...   more »

US car giant General Motors expects to sell more than 1m vehicles in China for the first time this year, making China the second most important market after the US. As well as fast-growing its also a profitable market for GM. Separately, Korean carmaker Kia plans to triple production of its China JV...    more »

US medical devices firm Micrus Endovascular has signed a five-year, exclusive distribution agreement with Beijing-based Tian Xin Fu Medical Appliances. The US firm says that China is the world's fastest-growing market for its devices, which are used in the treatment of cerebral vascular diseases...   more »