China Automotive Systems, Inc.
Annual Report 2018

Plain-text annual report

Morningstar® Document Research℠ FORM 10-KCHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC - CAASFiled: March 28, 2019 (period: December 31, 2018)Annual report with a comprehensive overview of the companyThe information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The userassumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information, except to the extent such damages or losses cannot belimited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. UNITED STATESSECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K(Mark One) xANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018Or ¨TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ____________ to ____________ Commission File Number: 000-33123 CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC.(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 33-0885775(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)organization) No. 1 Henglong Road, Yu Qiao Development Zone Shashi District, Jing Zhou City Hubei Province The People’s Republic of China 434000(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code – (86) 716-412-7901 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each Class Name of each exchange on which registeredCommon Stock, $0.0001 par value The Nasdaq Capital Market Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Title of Class None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filingrequirements for the past 90 days.Yes x No ¨ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 ofRegulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).Yes x No ¨ Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and willnot be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K orany amendment to this Form 10-K. x Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or emerginggrowth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2of the Exchange Act. Large Accelerated Filer¨Accelerated Filer¨ Non-Accelerated FilerxSmaller Reporting Companyx Emerging Growth Company¨ If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new orrevised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).Yes ¨ No x The aggregate market value of voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2018, based upon the price of$4.32 that was the closing price of the common stock as reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “CAAS” on such date, was approximately$51.4 million. The Company has 31,497,723 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 28, 2019. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE None. Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. FORM 10-K INDEX PagePART I 4Item 1.Business.4Item 1A.Risk Factors.11Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments.24Item 2.Properties.25Item 3.Legal Proceedings.25Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures.26 PART II 26Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.26Item 6.Selected Financial Data.27Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.27Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.41Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.42Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.42Item 9A.Controls and Procedures.42Item 9B.Other Information.44 PART III 44Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.44Item 11.Executive Compensation.48Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.51Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.52Item 14.Principal Accounting Fees and Services.52 PART IV 53Item 15.Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.53Item 16.Form 10-K Summary.54 Signatures 55Financial Statements57 2Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Cautionary Statement This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E ofthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future financial performance. The Company has attempted toidentify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “can,” “continues,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,”“intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Such statements aresubject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the matters set forth in this Annual Report or other reports or documents the Company files with theSecurities and Exchange Commission, the “SEC,” from time to time, which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those projected.Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Company cannot guarantee futureresults, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of thedate hereof. The Company’s expectations are as of the date this Form 10-K is filed, and the Company does not intend to update any of the forward-lookingstatements after the date this Annual Report on Form 10-K is filed to confirm these statements to actual results, unless required by law. 3Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. PART I ITEM 1.BUSINESS. COMPANY HISTORY China Automotive Systems, Inc., “China Automotive” or the “Company,” was incorporated in the State of Delaware on June 29, 1999. Through itssubsidiary, Great Genesis Holdings Limited, “Genesis,” a corporation organized under the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China, itowns interests in nine Sino-joint ventures and five wholly-owned subsidiaries in the People’s Republic of China, “China” or the “PRC,” which manufacturepower steering systems and/or related products for different segments of the automobile industry. Genesis also owns interests in a Brazil-based tradingcompany, which engages mainly in the import and sales of automotive parts in Brazil. Henglong USA Corporation, “HLUSA,” which was incorporated on January 8, 2007 in Troy, Michigan, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, andmainly engages in marketing of automotive parts in North America, and provides after sales service and research and development support accordingly. Unless the context indicates otherwise, the Company uses the terms “the Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” to refer to China Automotive collectively on aconsolidated basis. BUSINESS OVERVIEW The Company is a holding company and has no significant business operations or assets other than its interest in Genesis and HLUSA. Genesis mainlyengages in the manufacture and sale of automotive systems and components through its controlled subsidiaries and the joint ventures, as described below. Set forth below is an organizational chart as at December 31, 2018. China Automotive Systems, Inc. [NASDAQ:CAAS] ↓100% ↓100% Great Genesis Holdings Limited Henglong USA Corporation↓ ↓100% ↓70%Hubei ShenyangHenglong JinbeiAutomotive HenglongSystem Group AutomotiveCo., Ltd. Steering System Co., Ltd"Hubei Henglong"1 "Shenyang"2↓ ↓100%↓100%↓83.34%↓77.33%↓85%↓70%↓95.84%↓100%↓60%↓66.60%JingzhouShashiUniversalWuhuWuhanChongqingCAASHubeiJingzhouHubeiHenglongJiulongSensorHenglongJielongHenglongBrazil'sHenglongQingyanHenglongAutomotivePowerApplicationAutomotiveElectricHongyanImports AndGroupIntelligent& KYBPartsSteering,Inc.SteeringPowerAutomotiveTrade InShanghaiAutomotive AutomobileCo., Ltd.Gears System Co.,Steering Co.,System Co.,AutomotiveAutomotiveTechnologyElectric Co., Ltd. Ltd.Ltd.Ltd.Parts Ltd.,ElectronicsResearchSteering Research andInstituteSystem DevelopmentCo., Ltd.Co., Ltd., Ltd., "Chongqing"Brazil“Shanghai“Jingzhou“Henglong"Henglong"3"Jiulong"4"USAI"5"Wuhu"6"Jielong"7Henglong"8Henglong"9Henglong”12Qingyan”13KYB”14↓ ↓ ↓100% ↓85% Jingzhou Wuhan Henglong Chuguanjie Automotive Automotive Technology Science and (Testing) Technology Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results.Center Ltd., "Testing "Wuhan Center"10 Chuguanjie"11 4Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. 1.On March 7, 2007, Genesis established Hubei Henglong, formerly known as Jingzhou Hengsheng Automotive System Co., Ltd., its wholly-ownedsubsidiary, to engage in the production and sales of automotive steering systems. On July 8, 2012, Hubei Henglong changed its name to HubeiHenglong Automotive System Group Co., Ltd. 2.Shenyang was established in 2002 and focuses on power steering parts for light duty vehicles. 3.Henglong was established in 1997 and mainly engages in the production of rack and pinion power steering gears for cars and light-duty vehicles. 4.Jiulong was established in 1993 and mainly engages in the production of integral power steering gears for heavy-duty vehicles. 5.USAI was established in 2005 and mainly engages in the production and sales of sensor modules. 6.Wuhu was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automobile steering systems. 7.Jielong was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automobile steering columns. 8.On February 21, 2012, Hubei Henglong and SAIC-IVECO Hongyan Company, “SAIC-IVECO,” established a Sino-foreign joint venture company,Chongqing Henglong, to design, develop and manufacture both hydraulic and electric power steering systems and parts. 9.On August 21, 2012, Brazil Henglong was established as a Sino-foreign joint venture company by Hubei Henglong and two Brazilian citizens, OziasGaia Da Silva and Ademir Dal’ Evedove. Brazil Henglong engages mainly in the import and sale of automotive parts in Brazil. In May 2017, theCompany obtained an additional 15.84% equity interest in Brazil Henglong for nil consideration. The Company retained its controlling interest inBrazil Henglong and the acquisition of the non-controlling interest was accounted for as an equity transaction. 10.Testing Center was established in 2009 and mainly engages in the research and development of new products. 11.In May 2014, Jielong formed a subsidiary, Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd., “Wuhan Chuguanjie”, which mainlyengages in research and development, manufacture and sales of automobile electronic systems and parts. 12.In January 2015, Hubei Henglong formed Hubei Henglong Group Shanghai Automotive Electronics Research and Development Ltd., “ShanghaiHenglong”, which mainly engages in the design and sale of automotive electronics. 13.In November 2017, Hubei Henglong formed Jingzhou Qingyan Intelligent Automotive Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., “Jingzhou Qingyan”,which mainly engages in the research and development of intelligent automotive technology. 14.In August 2018, Hubei Henglong and KYB (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (“KYB”) established Hubei Henglong KYB Automobile Electric SteeringSystem Co., Ltd. (“Henglong KYB”), which mainly engages in design, manufacture, sales and after-sales service of automobile electronic systems.Hubei Henglong owns 66.6% of the shares of this entity and has consolidated it since its establishment. The Company has business relationships with more than sixty vehicle manufacturers, including FAW Group and Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., two of thefive largest automobile manufacturers in China; Shenyang Brilliance Jinbei Co., Ltd, the largest light vehicle manufacturer in China; Chery Automobile Co.,Ltd., the largest state owned car manufacturer in China, and BYD Auto Co., Ltd. and Zhejiang Geely Automobile Co., Ltd., the largest privately owned carmanufacturers in China. The PRC-based joint ventures of General Motors (GM), Volkswagen, Citroen and Fiat Chrysler North America are all key customersof the Company. Starting in 2008, the Company has supplied power steering gears to the Sino-foreign joint ventures established by GM, Citroen andVolkswagen in China. The Company has supplied power steering gear to Fiat Chrysler North America since 2009 and to Ford Motor Company since 2016. 5Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS Intellectual Property rights, “IP,” are important in helping the Company maintain its competitive position. Currently, the Company owns IP rights, includingtwo trademarks covering automobile parts, “HL” and “JL,” and more than eighty-five patents registered in China covering power steering technology. TheCompany is in the process of integrating new advanced technologies such as electronic chips in power steering systems into its current production line and ispursuing aggressive strategies in technology to maintain a competitive edge within the automobile industry. In December 2009, the Company, throughHenglong, formed Testing Center and cooperated with Nanyang Ind. Co. Ltd. and Tsinghua University to engage in the research and development of newproducts, such as Electric Power Steering (“EPS”), integral rack and pinion power steering and high pressure power steering, to optimize current productsdesign and to develop new, cost-saving manufacturing processes. In January 2015, Hubei Henglong formed Shanghai Henglong, which mainly engages inthe design and sale of automotive electronics, to capture the market opportunities for EPS, which were included in traditional hydraulic power steeringproducts by many automobile makers. In November 2017, Hubei Henglong formed Jingzhou Qingyan Intelligent Automotive Technology Research InstituteCo., Ltd., which mainly engages in the research and development of intelligent automotive technology. In August 2018, Hubei Henglong established a non-wholly owned subsidiary, Hubei Henglong KYB Automobile Electric Steering System Co., Ltd., which mainly engages in design, manufacture, sales andafter-sales service of automobile electronic systems. STRATEGIC PLAN The Company’s short to medium term strategic plan is to focus on both domestic and international market expansion. To achieve this goal and higherprofitability, the Company focuses on brand recognition, quality control, cost efficiency, research and development and strategic acquisitions. Set forthbelow are the Company’s programs: —Brand Recognition. Under the brands of Henglong and Jiulong, the Company offers four separate series of power steering sets and 310 models ofpower steering sets, steering columns and steering hoses. —Quality Control. The Henglong and Jiulong manufacturing facilities obtained the ISO/TS 16949 System Certification in January 2004, a well-recognized quality control system in the auto industry developed by TUVRheindland of Germany. —Cost Efficiency. By improving the Company’s production ability and enhancing equipment management, optimizing the process and productsstructure, perfecting the supplier system and cutting production cost, the Company’s goal is to achieve a more competitive profit margin. —Research and Development. The Company established Testing Center for the research and development of products and, by partnering with NanyangInd. Co. Ltd. and Tsinghua University for the development of advanced steering systems, the Company’s objective is to gain increased market sharein China. —International Expansion. The Company has entered into agreements with several international vehicle manufacturers and auto parts modulessuppliers and carried on preliminary negotiations regarding future development projects. —Acquisitions. The Company is exploring opportunities to create long-term growth through new ventures or acquisitions of other auto componentmanufacturers. The Company will seek acquisition targets that meet the following criteria: ·companies that can be easily integrated into product manufacturing and corporate management; 6Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. ·companies that have strong joint venture partners that would become major customers; and ·companies involved with power steering systems. CUSTOMERS The Company’s five largest customers represented 39.3% of the Company’s total sales for the year ended December 31, 2018. The following table sets forthinformation regarding the Company’s five largest customers. Percentage of Total Name of Major Customers Revenue in 2018 Fiat Chrysler North America 18.6%Beiqi Foton 6.1%Chery Automobile Co Ltd. 5.2%Ford Motor Company 4.8%Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd. 4.6%Total 39.3% The Company primarily sells its products to the above-mentioned original equipment manufacturing, “OEM”, customers; it also has excellent relationshipswith them, including serving as their first-rank supplier and developer for product development for new models. While the Company intends to continue tofocus on retaining and winning this business, it cannot ensure that it will succeed in doing so. It is difficult to keep doing business with the above-mentionedOEM customers as a result of severe price competition and customers’ diversification of their supply base. The Company’s business would be materially andadversely affected if it loses one or more of these major customers. SALES AND MARKETING The Company’s sales and marketing team has 130 sales persons, which are divided into an OEM team, a sales service team and a working group dedicated tointernational business. These sales and marketing teams provide a constant interface with the Company’s key customers. They are located in all major vehicleproducing regions to represent more effectively the Company’s customers’ interests within the Company’s organization, to promote their programs and tocoordinate their strategies with the goal of enhancing overall service and satisfaction. The Company’s ability to support its customers is further enhanced byits broad presence in terms of sales offices, manufacturing facilities, engineering technology centers and joint ventures. The Company’s sales and marketing organization and activities are designed to create overall awareness and consideration of, and therefore to increase salesof the Company’s modular systems and components. To achieve that objective, the Company organized delegations to visit the United States, Korea, Indiaand Japan and has supplied power steering gear to Fiat Chrysler North America. Through these activities, the Company has generated potential businessinterest as a strong base for future development. DISTRIBUTION The Company’s distribution system covers all of China. The Company has established sales and service offices with certain significant customers to deal withmatters related to such customers in a timely fashion. The Company also established distribution warehouses close to major customers to ensure timelydeliveries. The Company maintains strict control over inventories. Each of these sales and service offices sends back to the Company through e-mail or faxinformation related to the inventory and customers’ needs. The Company guarantees product delivery in 8 hours for those customers who are located within200 km from the Company’s distribution warehouses, and 24 hours for customers who are located outside of 200 km from the Company’s distributionwarehouses. Delivery time is a very important competitive factor in terms of customer decision making, together with quality, pricing and long-termrelationships. The Company has two distribution warehouses in the United States, which are located in Michigan and Texas, respectively. The warehousesdeliver parts to customers every day. 7Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. EMPLOYEES AND FACILITIES As of December 31, 2018, the Company employed approximately 4,711 persons, including approximately: ·1,446 by Henglong (including Testing Center formed by Henglong) ;·610 by Jiulong;·338 by Shenyang;·29 by USAI;·159 by Wuhu;·268 by Jielong;·55 by Wuhan Chuguanjie;·1,036 by Hubei Henglong;·17 by HLUSA;·153 by Chongqing Henglong;·13 by Brazil Henglong; and·49 by Shanghai Henglong;·538 by Henglong KYB As of December 31, 2018, Henglong, Jiulong, Shenyang, Chongqing, Wuhan Chuguanjie, Hubei Henglong and Wuhu had a manufacturing andadministration area of 111,211 square meters, 39,478 square meters, 35,354 square meters, 57,849 square meters, 53,675 square meters, 177,747 square metersand 83,705 square meters, respectively. Hubei Province, which is home to Dongfeng, one of the largest automakers in China, provides an ample supply of inexpensive but skilled labor toautomotive-related industries. The annual production of one of the Company’s main products, power steering gears, was approximately 8.2 million units and6.1 million units in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Although the production process continues to rely heavily on manual labor, the Company has investedsubstantially in high-level production machinery to improve capacity and production quality. Approximately $104.7 million was spent over the last threeyears to purchase professional-grade equipment and extend workshops. RAW MATERIALS The Company purchases various manufactured components and raw materials for use in its manufacturing processes. The principal components and rawmaterials the Company purchases include castings, finished sub-components, aluminum, steel, fabricated metal electronic parts and molded plastic parts. Themost important raw material is steel. The Company enters into purchase agreements with local suppliers. The annual purchase plans are determined at thebeginning of the calendar year but are subject to revision every three months as a result of customers’ orders. A purchase order is made according to monthlyproduction plans. This protects the Company from building up inventory when the orders from customers change. 8Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Company’s purchases from its ten largest suppliers represented in the aggregate 22.5% of all components and raw materials it purchased for the yearended December 31, 2018, and none of them provided more than 10% of total purchases. All components and raw materials are available from numerous sources. The Company has not, in recent years, experienced any significant shortages ofmanufactured components or raw materials and normally does not carry inventories of these items in excess of what is reasonably required to meet itsproduction and shipping schedules. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT The Company owns the Testing Center, a Hubei Provincial-Level technical center, which has been approved by the Hubei Economic Commission. The centerhas a staff of about 234, including 43 engineers, primarily focusing on steering system R&D, tests, production process improvement and new material andproduction methodology application. In addition, the Company has formed Shanghai Henglong to engage in the design and sale of automotive electronics, including key parts of EPS. The Company believes that its engineering and technical expertise, together with its emphasis on continuing research and development, allow it to use thelatest technologies, materials and processes to solve problems for its customers and to bring new, innovative products to market. The Company believes thatcontinued research and development activities, including engineering, are critical to maintaining its pipeline of technologically advanced products. TheCompany has aggressively managed costs in other portions of its business in order to increase its total expenditures for research and development activities,including engineering, at approximately $31.7 million and $33.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In 2018 and 2017,the sales of such newly developed products accounted for about 27.6% and 22.0%, respectively, of total sales. COMPETITION The automotive components industry is extremely competitive. The Company’s customers consider criteria including quality, price/cost competitiveness,system and product performance, reliability and timeliness of delivery, new product and technology development capability, excellence and flexibility inoperations, degree of global and local presence, effectiveness of customer service and overall management capability. The power steering system market isfragmented in China, and the Company has seven major competitors. Of these competitors, two are Sino-foreign joint ventures while the other five are state-owned. Like many competitive industries, there is pressure on downward selling prices. The Company’s major competitors, including Shanghai ZF, Nexteer and First Auto FKS, “FKS,” are component suppliers to specific automobilemanufacturers. Shanghai ZF is the joint venture of SAIC and ZF Germany, which is an exclusive supplier to SAIC-Volkswagen and SAIC-GM. FKS is a jointventure between First Auto Group and Japan’s Koyo Company and its main customer is FAW-Volkswagen Company. While the Chinese government limits foreign ownership of auto assemblers to 50%, there is no analogous limitation in the automotive components industry.Thus, opportunities exist for foreign component suppliers to set up factories in China. These overseas competitors employ technology that may be moreadvanced and may have existing relationships with global automobile assemblers, but they are generally not as competitive as the Company in China interms of production cost and flexibility in meeting client requirements. 9Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. CHINESE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY The Company is a supplier of automotive parts and most of its operations are located in China. An increase or decrease in the output and sales of Chinesevehicles could result in an increase or decrease of the Company’s results of operations. According to the latest statistics from the China Association ofAutomobile Manufacturers, “CAAM”, the output and sales volume of passenger vehicles in 2018 was 23.5 million and 23.7 million units respectively, adecrease of 5.2% and 4.1% compared to 2017. The output and sales volume of commercial vehicles in 2018 was 4.3 million and 4.4 million units,respectively, an increase of 1.7% and 5.1% compared to 2017. In 2018, the Company’s sales of steering gears for passenger vehicles decreased by 9.7% andcommercial vehicles increased by 9.2%, compared to 2017 in China. CAAM expects that sales volume of vehicles in China will be consistent with 2018 in 2019. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE The Company is subject to the requirements of U.S. federal, state, local and non-U.S., including China’s, environmental and occupational safety and healthlaws and regulations. These include laws regulating air emissions, water discharge and waste management. The Company has an environmental managementstructure designed to facilitate and support its compliance with these requirements globally. Although the Company intends to comply with all suchrequirements and regulations, it cannot provide assurance that it is at all times in compliance. The Company has made and will continue to make capital andother expenditures to comply with environmental requirements, although such expenditures were not material during the past two years. Environmentalrequirements are complex, change frequently and have tended to become more stringent over time. Accordingly, the Company cannot assure thatenvironmental requirements will not change or become more stringent over time or that its eventual environmental cleanup costs and liabilities will not bematerial. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not make any material capital expenditures relating to environmental compliance. FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS Financial information about sales and long-term assets by major geographic region can be found in Note 33, “Segment Reporting” to the consolidatedfinancial statements in this Report. The following table summarizes the percentage of sales and total assets by major geographic regions: Net Sales Long-term assets Year Ended December 31, As of December 31 2018 2017 2018 2017 Geographic region: China 71.5% 76.8% 99.3% 99.2%United States 22.8 16.9 0.4 0.5 Other foreign countries 5.7 6.3 0.3 0.3 Total consolidated 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 10Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. WEBSITE ACCESS TO SEC FILINGS The Company files electronically with, or furnishes to, the SEC its annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-Kand amendments to those reports pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company makes available free of charge on its website (www.caasauto.com) all such reports as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy information and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that fileelectronically with the SEC. The address of that website is http://www.sec.gov. ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS. Any investment in the Company’s securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with theinformation contained elsewhere in this Annual Report, before you make a decision to invest in the Company. The Company’s business, financial conditionsand results of operations could be materially and adversely affected by many risk factors. Because of these risk factors, actual results might differsignificantly from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, among others, the following: RISKS RELATED TO THE COMPANY’S BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY The cyclical nature of automotive production and sales could result in a reduction in automotive sales, which could adversely affect the Company’sbusiness and results of operations. The Company’s business relies on automotive vehicle production and sales by its customers, which are highly cyclical and depend on general economicconditions and other factors, including consumer spending and preferences and the price and availability of gasoline. They also can be affected by laborrelations issues, regulatory requirements and other factors. In the last two years, the price of automobiles in China has generally declined. Additionally, thevolume of automotive production in China has fluctuated from year to year, which gives rise to fluctuations in the demand for the Company’s products.Therefore, any significant economic decline could result in a reduction in automotive production and sales by the Company’s customers and could have amaterial adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations. Moreover, if the prices of automobiles keep declining, the selling price of automotive partsalso would decrease, which would result in lower revenues and profitability. Increasing costs for manufactured components and raw materials may adversely affect the Company’s profitability. The Company uses a broad range of manufactured components and raw materials in its products, including castings, electronic components, finished sub-components, molded plastic parts, fabricated metal, aluminum and steel and resins. Because it may be difficult to pass increased prices for these items on tothe Company’s customers, a significant increase in the prices of the Company’s components and materials could materially increase the Company’s operatingcosts and adversely affect its profit margins and profitability. 11Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Because the Company is a holding company with substantially all of its operations conducted through its subsidiaries, its performance will be affected bythe performance of its subsidiaries. The Company almost has no operations independent of those of Genesis and its subsidiaries, and the Company’s principal assets are its investments inGenesis and its subsidiaries and affiliates. As a result, the Company is dependent upon the performance of Genesis and its subsidiaries and will be subject tothe financial, business and other factors affecting Genesis as well as general economic and financial conditions. As substantially all of the Company’soperations are and will be conducted through its subsidiaries, the Company will be dependent on the cash flow of its subsidiaries to meet its obligations. Because virtually all of the Company’s assets are and will be held by operating subsidiaries, the claims of the Company’s stockholders will be structurallysubordinate to all existing and future liabilities and obligations, and trade payables of such subsidiaries. In the event of the Company’s bankruptcy,liquidation or reorganization, its assets and those of its subsidiaries will be available to satisfy the claims of the Company’s stockholders only after all of itsand its subsidiaries’ liabilities and obligations have been paid in full. With the automobile parts markets being highly competitive and many of the Company’s competitors having greater resources than it does, the Companymay not be able to compete successfully. The automobile parts industry is a highly competitive business. The Company’s customers consider criteria including: ·quality;·price/cost competitiveness;·system and product performance;·reliability and timeliness of delivery;·new product and technology development capability;·excellence and flexibility in operations;·degree of global and local presence;·effectiveness of customer service; and·overall management capability. The Company’s competitors include independent suppliers of parts, as well as suppliers formed by spin-offs from the Company’s customers, who arebecoming more aggressive in selling parts to other vehicle manufacturers. Depending on the particular product, the number of the Company’s competitorsvaries significantly. Many of the Company’s competitors have substantially greater revenues and financial resources than it does, as well as stronger brandnames, consumer recognition, business relationships with vehicle manufacturers, and geographic presence than it has. The Company may not be able tocompete favorably and increased competition may substantially harm its business, business prospects and results of operations. Internationally, the Company faces different market dynamics and competition. The Company may not be as successful as its competitors in generatingrevenues in international markets due to the lack of recognition of its products or other factors. Developing product recognition overseas is expensive andtime-consuming and the Company’s international expansion efforts may be more costly and less profitable than it expects. If the Company is not successfulin its target markets, its sales could decline, its margins could be negatively impacted and it could lose market share, any of which could materially harm theCompany’s business, results of operations and profitability. 12Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Pricing pressure by automobile manufacturers on their suppliers may adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations. Recently, pricing pressure from automobile manufacturers has been prevalent in the automotive parts industry in China. Virtually all vehicle manufacturersseek price reductions each year. Although the Company has tried to reduce costs and resist price reductions, these reductions have impacted the Company’ssales and profit margins. If the Company cannot offset continued price reductions through improved operating efficiencies and reduced expenditures, pricereductions will have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations. The Company’s business, revenues and profitability would be materially and adversely affected if it loses any of its large customers. For the year ended December 31, 2018, approximately 18.6%, 6.1%, 5.2%, 4.8% and 4.6% of the Company’s sales were to Fiat Chrysler North America, BeiqiFoton, Chery Automobile Co Ltd., Ford Motor Company and Dongfeng Auto Group Co Ltd., the Company’s five largest customers in 2018, respectively. Intotal, these five largest customers accounted for 39.3% of total sales in 2018. For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 14.3%, 6.3%, 6.1%, 5.1%and 5.0% of the Company’s sales were to Fiat Chrysler North America, Beiqi Foton, Dongfeng Auto Group Co., Ltd., SAIC Motor and Zhejiang GeelyHolding Group, the Company’s five largest customers in 2017, respectively. In total, these five largest customers accounted for 36.8% of total sales in 2017.The loss of, or significant reduction in purchases by, one or more of these major customers could adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company may not be able to collect receivables incurred by customers. The Company currently sells its products on credit and its ability to receive payment for its products depends on the continued creditworthiness of itscustomers. Although the Company has long-term relationships with its major customers, the customer base may change if its sales increase because of theCompany’s expanded capacity. If the Company is not able to collect its receivables, its profitability will be adversely affected. The Company may be subject to product liability and warranty and recall claims, which may increase the costs of doing business and adversely affect theCompany’s financial condition and liquidity. The Company may be exposed to product liability and warranty claims if its products actually or allegedly fail to perform as expected or the use of itsproducts results, or is alleged to result, in bodily injury and/or property damage. The Company started to pay some of its customers’ increased after-salesservice expenses due to consumer rights protection policies of “recall” issued by the Chinese government in 2004, such as the recalling flawed vehiclespolicy. Beginning in 2004, automobile manufacturers unilaterally required their suppliers to pay a “3-R Guarantees” service charge for repair, replacementand refund in an amount of about 2%–6% of the total amount of parts supplied. Accordingly, the Company has experienced and will continue to experiencehigher after sales service expenses. Product liability, warranty and recall costs may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition. On January 3, 2017, Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., Ltd. (“Chongqing Changan”) registered a recall plan with The General Administration of QualitySupervision, Inspection and Quarantine (“AQSIQ”) pursuant to the “Regulation on the Administration of Recall of Defective Auto Products”. The recall planrelates to the recall of 108,642 Eulove vehicles manufactured between November 7, 2012 and November 13, 2015. The recall commenced on March 1, 2017.According to the supplier, the torque sensor on the upper steering shaft subassembly in the recalled vehicles is subject to abnormal wear after long-termusage, posing a safety risk in extreme situations. Chongqing Changan implemented a recall to replace the upper steering shaft subassembly in the recalledvehicles free of charge to mitigate the safety risk. The planned schedule for recall activities was due on December 31, 2018. Chongqing Changan currently ispreparing documents for reporting to AQSIQ in order to close the case. 13Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. On January 22, 2017, Jiangxi Changhe Suzuki Automobile Co., Ltd. (“Jiangxi Changhe”) registered a recall plan with AQSIQ pursuant to the “Regulation onthe Administration of Recall of Defective Auto Products”. The recall plan relates to the recall of 44,169 Liana A6 vehicles manufactured between September7, 2013 and April 28, 2015. The recall commenced on February 24, 2017. According to the supplier, the electronic-assist ECU may malfunction under certaincircumstances, which may lead the steering assist to enter safety protection status, posing a safety risk in extreme situations. Jiangxi Changhe implementedthe recall to conduct a technical upgrade of the ECU in the recalled vehicles free of charge to mitigate the safety risk. The planned schedule for recallactivities was due on December 31, 2018. Jiangxi Changhe currently is preparing documents for reporting to AQSIQ in order to close the case. Management has concluded that the defect that led to each of the recalls arose due to the erosion of the contact sensor after long-term use only in vehiclesequipped with first-generation EPS. The Company has taken technical measures to reduce the contact sensor erosion in first-generation EPS. The contactsensors in current EPS products have been largely replaced by non-contact sensors. The Company is subject to environmental and safety regulations, which may increase the Company’s compliance costs and may adversely affect its resultsof operations. The Company is subject to the requirements of environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations in China. The Company cannotprovide assurance that it has been or will be at all times in full compliance with all of these requirements, or that it will not incur material costs or liabilities inconnection with these requirements. Additionally, these regulations may change in a manner that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’sbusiness, results of operations and financial condition. The capital requirements and other expenditures that may be necessary to comply with environmentalrequirements could increase and become a material expense of doing business. Non-performance by the Company’s suppliers may adversely affect its operations by delaying delivery or causing delivery failures, which may negativelyaffect demand, sales and profitability. The Company purchases various types of equipment, raw materials and manufactured component parts from its suppliers. The Company would be materiallyand adversely affected by the failure of its suppliers to perform as expected. The Company could experience delivery delays or failures caused by productionissues or delivery of non-conforming products if its suppliers fail to perform, and it also faces these risks in the event any of its suppliers becomes insolvent orbankrupt. The Company’s business and growth may suffer if it fails to attract and retain key personnel. The Company’s ability to operate its business and implement its strategies effectively depends on the efforts of its executive officers and other keyemployees. The Company depends on the continued contributions of its senior management and other key personnel. The Company’s future success alsodepends on its ability to identify, attract and retain highly skilled technical staff, particularly engineers and other employees with mechanics and electronicsexpertise, and managerial, finance and marketing personnel. The Company does not maintain a key person life insurance policy on Mr. Hanlin Chen or Mr.Qizhou Wu. The loss of the services of any of the Company’s key employees or the failure to attract or retain other qualified personnel could substantiallyharm the Company’s business. 14Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Company’s management controls approximately 62.4% of its outstanding common stock and may have conflicts of interest with the Company’sminority stockholders. As of December 31, 2018, members of the Company’s management beneficially own approximately 62.4% of the outstanding shares of the Company’scommon stock. As a result, except for the related party transactions that require approval of the audit committee of the board of directors of the Company,these majority stockholders have control over decisions to enter into any corporate transaction, which could result in the approval of transactions that mightnot maximize overall stockholders’ value. Additionally, these stockholders control the election of members of the Company’s board, have the ability toappoint new members to the Company’s management team and control the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of the holders of the Company’s commonstock. The interests of these majority stockholders may at times conflict with the interests of the Company’s other stockholders. The Company regularlyengages in transactions with entities controlled by one or more of its officers and directors, including those controlled by Mr. Hanlin Chen, the chairman ofthe board of directors of the Company and its controlling stockholder. There is a limited public float of the Company’s common stock, which can result in the Company’s stock price being volatile and prevent the realization ofa profit on resale of the Company’s common stock or derivative securities. There is a limited public float of the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2018, approximately 37.6% of the Company’s outstanding commonstock is considered part of the public float. The term “public float” refers to shares freely and actively tradable on the NASDAQ Capital Market and notowned by officers, directors or affiliates, as such term is defined under the Securities Act. As a result of the limited public float and the limited trading volumeon some days, the market price of the Company’s common stock can be volatile, and relatively small changes in the demand for or supply of the Company’scommon stock can have a disproportionate effect on the market price for its common stock. This stock price volatility could prevent a security holder seekingto sell the Company’s common stock or derivative securities from being able to sell them at or above the price at which the stock or derivative securities werebought, or at a price which a fully liquid market would report. The Company is subject to penny stock regulations and restrictions. The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define so-called “penny stock” as an equity security that has a market price less than $5.00 per share or anexercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exemptions. As of December 31, 2018, the closing price for the Company’s common stock was$2.44. If the Company’s stock is a “penny stock”, it may become subject to Rule 15g-9 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the“Exchange Act”), the “Penny Stock Rule.” This rule imposes additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers that sell such securities to persons otherthan established customers and “accredited investors,” generally, individuals with a net worth in excess of $1.0 million or annual incomes exceeding $0.2million, or $0.3 million together with their spouses. For transactions covered by Rule 15g-9, a broker-dealer must make a special suitability determination forthe purchaser and have received the purchaser’s written consent to the transaction prior to sale. As a result, this rule may affect the ability of broker-dealers tosell the Company’s securities and may affect the ability of purchasers to sell any of the Company’s securities in the secondary market. 15Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require delivery, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, of a disclosure scheduleprepared by the SEC relating to the penny stock market. Disclosure also is required to be made about sales commissions payable to both the broker-dealerand the registered representative and current quotations for the securities. Finally, monthly statements are required to be sent disclosing recent priceinformation for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stock. There can be no assurance that the Company’s common stock will qualify for exemption from the Penny Stock Rule. In any event, even if the Company’scommon stock were exempt from the Penny Stock Rule, the Company would remain subject to Section 15(b)(6) of the Exchange Act, which gives the SECthe authority to restrict any person from participating in a distribution of penny stock if the SEC finds that such a restriction would be in the public interest. Provisions in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the General Corporation Law of Delaware may discourage a takeover attempt. Provisions in the Company’s certificate of incorporation and bylaws and the General Corporation Law of Delaware, the state in which it is organized, couldmake it difficult for a third party to acquire the Company, even if doing so might be beneficial to the Company’s stockholders. Provisions of the Company’scertificate of incorporation and bylaws impose various procedural and other requirements, which could make it difficult for stockholders to effect certaincorporate actions and possibly prevent transactions that would maximize stockholders’ value. Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results ofoperations and the trading price of its shares. The Company is subject to reporting obligations under the U.S. securities laws. The Securities and Exchange Commission, the “SEC,” as required by Section404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, has adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report of management in its annual report that contains anassessment by management of the effectiveness of such company’s internal control over financial reporting. If the Company fails to maintain the adequacy of its internal controls in the future, it will not be able to ensure that it can conclude on an ongoing basis thatit has effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Moreover, effective internal controls are necessary for theCompany to produce reliable financial reports and are important to help prevent fraud. Any failure to maintain effective internal control over financialreporting could result in the loss of investor confidence in the reliability of the Company’s financial statements, which in turn could harm its business andnegatively impact the trading price of its common stock. Furthermore, the Company may need to incur additional costs and use additional management andother resources in an effort to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other requirements going forward. The Company generally does not pay cash dividends on its common stock. Although the Company announced a special cash dividend of $0.18 per common share to the Company’s shareholders of record as of the close of business onJune 26, 2014, it does not anticipate paying any other cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company currently intends to retain future earnings, ifany, to finance operations and the expansion of its business. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of the Company’s boardof directors and will be based upon the Company’s financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, plans for expansion, restrictions imposed byany financing arrangements and any other factors that the Company’s board of directors deems relevant. 16Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Techniques employed by short sellers may drive down the market price of the Company’s common stock. Short selling is the practice of selling securities that the seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying identicalsecurities back at a later date to return to the lender. The short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of theborrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as the short seller expects to pay less in that purchase than it received in the sale. As it is inthe short seller’s best interests for the price of the stock to decline, many short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions regardingthe relevant issuer and its business prospects in order to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves after selling a stock short.These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market. In the recent past, public companies that have substantially all of their operations in China have been the subject of short selling. Much of the scrutiny andnegative publicity has centered around allegations of a lack of effective internal control over financial reporting resulting in financial and accountingirregularities and mistakes, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result, manyof these companies are now conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations and, in the interim, are subject to shareholder lawsuits and/orSEC enforcement actions. It is not clear what effect such negative publicity would have on the Company, if any. If the Company were to become the subject of any unfavorableallegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, the Company could have to expend a significant amount of resources to investigatesuch allegations and/or defend itself. While the Company would strongly defend against any such short seller attacks, the Company may be constrained inthe manner in which it can proceed against the relevant short seller by principles of freedom of speech, applicable state law or issues of commercialconfidentiality. Such a situation could be costly and time-consuming, and could distract the Company’s management from growing the Company. Even ifsuch allegations are ultimately proven to be groundless, allegations against the Company could severely impact its business operations and stockholdersequity, and any investment in the Company’s stock could be greatly reduced or rendered worthless. The Company’s secured credit facilities contain certain financial covenants that it may not satisfy, which, if not satisfied, could result in the acceleration ofthe amounts due under the Company’s secured credit facilities and the limitation of the Company’s ability to borrow additional funds in the future. The agreements governing the Company’s secured credit facilities subject it to various financial and other restrictive covenants with which the Companymust comply on an ongoing or periodic basis. These covenants include, but are not limited to, restrictions on the utilization of the funds and the maintenanceof certain financial ratios. If the Company violate any of these covenants, the Company’s outstanding debt under the Company’s secured credit facilitiescould become immediately due and payable, the Company’s lenders could proceed against any collateral securing such indebtedness and the Company’sability to borrow additional funds in the future may be limited. Alternatively, the Company could be forced to refinance or renegotiate the terms andconditions of the Company’s secured credit facilities, including the interest rates, financial and restrictive covenants and security requirements of the securedcredit facilities, on terms that may be significantly less favorable to the Company. 17Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. RISKS RELATED TO DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA AND OTHER COUNTRIES BESIDES THE UNITED STATES The Company may face a severe operating environment during times of economic recession. The sales volume of the Company’s core products is largely influenced by the demand for its customers’ end products which are mostly sold in the Chinesemarkets. Future economic crises, either within China or without, may lead to a drastic drop in demand for the Company’s products. Inflation in China could negatively affect the Company’s profitability and growth. China’s economy has experienced rapid growth, much of it due to the issuance of debt over the last few years. This debt-fueled economic growth has led togrowth in the money supply, causing rising inflation. If prices for the Company’s products rise at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the rise in thecost of production, it may harm the Company’s profitability. In order to control inflation, the Chinese government has imposed controls on bank credit, limitson loans and other restrictions on economic activities. Such policies have led to a slowing of economic growth. Additional measures could further sloweconomic activity in China, which could, in turn, materially increase the Company’s costs while also reducing demand for the Company’s products. The Chinese government’s macroeconomic policies could have a negative effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. The Chinese government has implemented various measures from time to time to control the rate of economic growth in the PRC. Some of these measuresmay have a negative effect on the Company over the short or long term. Recently, to cope with high inflation and economic imbalances, the Chinesegovernment has tightened monetary policy and implemented floating exchange rate policy. In addition, in order to alleviate some of the effects ofunbalanced growth and social discontent, the Chinese government has enacted a series of social programs and anti-inflationary measures. These, in turn, haveincreased the costs on the financial and manufacturing sectors, without having alleviated the effects of high inflation and economic imbalances. The Chinesegovernment’s macroeconomic policies, even if effected properly, may significantly slow down China’s economy or cause great social unrest, all of whichwould have a negative effect on the Company’s business and results of operations. The economic, political and social conditions in China could affect the Company’s business. Most of the Company’s business, assets and operations are located in China. The economy of China differs from the economies of most developed countriesin many respects, including government involvement, level of development, growth rate, control of foreign exchange and allocation of resources. Theeconomy of China has been transitioning from a planned economy to a more market-oriented economy. Although the Chinese government has implementedmeasures emphasizing the utilization of market forces for economic reform, the reduction of state ownership of productive assets and the establishment ofsound corporate governance in business enterprises, a substantial portion of productive assets in China is still owned by the Chinese government. In addition, the Chinese government continues to play a significant role in regulating industry by imposing industrial policies. It also exercises significantcontrol over China’s economic growth through the allocation of resources, controlling payment of foreign currency-denominated obligations, settingmonetary policy and providing preferential treatment to particular industries or companies. Therefore, the Chinese government’s involvement in theeconomy could adversely affect the Company’s business operations, results of operations and/or financial condition. 18Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Because the Company’s operations are mostly located outside of the United States and are subject to Chinese laws, any change of Chinese laws mayadversely affect its business. Most of the Company’s operations are in the PRC, which exposes it to risks, such as exchange controls and currency restrictions, currency fluctuations anddevaluations, changes in local economic conditions, changes in Chinese laws and regulations, exposure to possible expropriation or other PRC governmentactions, and unsettled political conditions. These factors may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations or on its business, results ofoperations and financial condition. The Company’s international expansion plans subject it to risks inherent in doing business internationally. The Company’s long-term business strategy relies on the expansion of its international sales outside China by targeting markets, such as the United Statesand Brazil. The Company’s net sales outside of China increased from $87.7 million in 2017 to $141.4 million in 2018. Risks affecting the Company’sinternational expansion include challenges caused by distance, language and cultural differences, conflicting and changing laws and regulations, foreignlaws, international import and export legislation, trading and investment policies, foreign currency fluctuations, the burdens of complying with a widevariety of laws and regulations, protectionist laws and business practices that favor local businesses in some countries, foreign tax consequences, higher costsassociated with doing business internationally, restrictions on the export or import of technology, difficulties in staffing and managing internationaloperations, trade and tariff restrictions, and variations in tariffs, quotas, taxes and other market barriers. These risks could harm the Company’s internationalexpansion efforts, which could in turn materially and adversely affect its business, operating results and financial condition. On September 17, 2012, the United States filed a trade case with the World Trade Organization, “WTO,” against the PRC with respect to the PRCgovernment’s purported provision of subsidies to the automobile and automobile-parts enterprises in the PRC. If the WTO rules against China in this tradecase, the cost of sales of the Company could increase due to the imposition of any tariff and/or the Company’s ability to export products to the United Statescould be limited, which could affect the Company’s business and operating results. In addition, under Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the SEC has adopted additional disclosure requirementsrelated to the source of certain “conflict minerals” for issuers for which such “conflict minerals” are necessary to the functionality or production of a productmanufactured, or contracted to be manufactured, by that issuer. The metals covered by the rules include tin, tantalum, tungsten and gold, commonly referredto as “3TG.” If these materials are necessary to the functionality or production of a product manufactured, or contracted to be manufactured, the rules requirea reasonable country of origin inquiry be conducted to determine if an issuer knows, or has reason to believe, that any of the minerals used in the productionprocess may have originated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo or an adjoining country. In such a case, if an issuer were not able to determine thatthe minerals did not originate from a covered country or conclude that there is no reason to believe that the minerals used in the production process may haveoriginated in a covered country, that issuer could be required to perform supply chain due diligence on members of its supply chain. Global supply chainscan have multiple layers, thus the costs of complying with these new requirements could be substantial. These new requirements may also reduce the numberof suppliers that provide conflict-free metals, and may affect a company’s ability to obtain products in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices. If theCompany was to source such 3TG minerals that are necessary to the functionality or production of a product manufactured, or contracted to be manufactured,compliance costs with these rules and/or the unavailability of raw materials could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations. 19Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Company faces risks associated with currency exchange rate fluctuations; any adverse fluctuation may adversely affect its operating margins. Although the Company is incorporated in the State of Delaware, in the United States, the majority of its current revenues are in Chinese currency. Conductingbusiness in currencies other than U.S. dollars subjects the Company to fluctuations in currency exchange rates that could have a negative impact on itsreported operating results. Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies impact the Company’s revenues, cost of revenues andoperating margins and result in foreign currency translation gains and losses. Historically, the Company has not engaged in exchange rate hedging activities.Although the Company may implement hedging strategies to mitigate this risk, these strategies may not eliminate its exposure to foreign exchange ratefluctuations and involve costs and risks of their own, such as ongoing management time and expertise requirements, external costs to implement the strategyand potential accounting implications. If relations between the United States and China worsen, the Company’s stock price may decrease and the Company may have difficulty accessing the U.S.capital markets. At various times during recent years, the United States and China have had disagreements over political and economic issues. Controversies may arise in thefuture between these two countries. Any political or trade controversies between the United States and China could adversely affect the market price of theCompany’s common stock and its ability to access U.S. capital markets. Political events, international trade disputes and other business interruptions couldharm or disrupt international commerce and the global economy, and could have a material adverse effect on the Company, its customers and its otherbusiness partners. The Chinese government could change its policies toward private enterprise, which could adversely affect the Company’s business. The Company’s business is subject to political and economic uncertainties in China and may be adversely affected by China’s political, economic and socialdevelopments. Over the past several years, the Chinese government has pursued economic reform policies including the encouragement of private economicactivity and greater economic decentralization. The Chinese government may not continue to pursue these policies or may alter them to the Company’sdetriment from time to time. Changes in policies, laws and regulations, or in their interpretation or the imposition of confiscatory taxation, restrictions oncurrency conversion, restrictions or prohibitions on dividend payments to stockholders, devaluations of currency or the nationalization or otherexpropriation of private enterprises could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. Nationalization or expropriation could result in the totalloss of the Company’s investment in China. Government control of currency conversion and future movements in exchange rates may adversely affect the Company’s operations and financial results. The Company receives most of its revenues in Chinese Renminbi, “RMB”. A portion of such revenues will be converted into other currencies to meet theCompany’s foreign currency obligations. Foreign exchange transactions under the Company’s capital account, including principal payments in respect offoreign currency-denominated obligations, continue to be subject to significant foreign exchange controls and require the approval of the StateAdministration of Foreign Exchange in China. These limitations could affect the Company’s ability to obtain foreign exchange through debt or equityfinancing, or to obtain foreign exchange for capital expenditures. 20Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Chinese government controls its foreign currency reserves through restrictions on imports and conversion of RMB into foreign currency. In July 2005,the Chinese government has adjusted its exchange rate policy from “Fixed Rate” to “Floating Rate”. Between July 2005 to December 2018, the exchangerate between the RMB and the U.S. dollar appreciated from RMB1.00 to $0.1205 to RMB1.00 to $0.1454. Any significant appreciation of the RMB is likelyto decrease the income of export products and the cash flow of the Company. Because the Chinese legal system is not fully developed, the Company and its security holders’ legal protections may be limited. The Chinese legal system is based on written statutes and their interpretation by the Supreme People’s Court. Although the Chinese government introducednew laws and regulations to modernize its business, securities and tax systems on January 1, 1994, China does not yet possess a comprehensive body ofbusiness law. Because Chinese laws and regulations are relatively new, interpretation, implementation and enforcement of these laws and regulations involveuncertainties and inconsistencies and it may be difficult to enforce contracts. In addition, as the Chinese legal system develops, changes in such laws andregulations, their interpretation or their enforcement may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business operations. Moreover, interpretative caselaw does not have the same precedential value in China as in the United States, so legal compliance in China may be more difficult or expensive. It may be difficult to serve the Company with legal process or enforce judgments against the Company or its management. Most of the Company’s assets are located in China and twelve of its directors and officers are non-residents of the United States, and all or substantialportions of the assets of such non-residents are located outside the United States. As a result, it may not be possible to effect service of process within theUnited States upon such persons to originate an action in the United States. Moreover, there is uncertainty that the courts of China would enforce judgmentsof U.S. courts against the Company, its directors or officers based on the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state, or anoriginal action brought in China based upon the securities laws of the United States or any state. The Company may be subject to fines and legal sanctions imposed by State Administration of Foreign Exchange, “SAFE”, or other Chinese governmentauthorities if it or its Chinese directors or employees fail to comply with recent Chinese regulations relating to employee share options or shares grantedby offshore listed companies to Chinese domestic individuals. On December 25, 2006, the People’s Bank of China, or PBOC, issued the Administration Measures on Individual Foreign Exchange Control, and thecorresponding Implementation Rules were issued by SAFE on January 5, 2007. Both of these regulations became effective on February 1, 2007. According tothese regulations, all foreign exchange matters relating to employee stock holding plans, share option plans or similar plans with Chinese domesticindividuals’ participation require approval from the SAFE or its authorized branch. On March 28, 2007, the SAFE issued the Application Procedure ofForeign Exchange Administration for Domestic Individuals Participating in Employee Stock Holding Plan or Stock Option Plan of Overseas-ListedCompany, or the Stock Option Rule. Under the Stock Option Rule, Chinese domestic individuals who are granted share options or shares by an offshorelisted company are required, through a Chinese agent or Chinese subsidiary of the offshore listed company, to register with the SAFE and complete certainother procedures. As the Company is an offshore listed company, its Chinese domestic directors and employees who may be granted share options or sharesshall become subject to the Stock Option Rule. Under the Stock Option Rule, employees stock holding plans, share option plans or similar plans of offshorelisted companies with Chinese domestic individuals’ participation must be filed with the SAFE. After the Chinese domestic directors or employees exercisetheir options, they must apply for the amendment to the registration with the SAFE. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has completed such SAFEregistration and other related procedures according to PRC law. If the Company or its Chinese domestic directors or employees fail to comply with theseregulations in the future, the Company or its Chinese domestic directors or employees may be subject to fines or other legal sanctions imposed by the SAFEor other Chinese government authorities. 21Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Capital outflow policies in China may hamper the Company’s ability to declare and pay dividends to its stockholders. China has adopted currency and capital transfer regulations. These regulations may require the Company to comply with complex regulations for themovement of capital. Although the Company’s management believes that it will be in compliance with these regulations, should these regulations or theinterpretation of them by courts or regulatory agencies change, the Company may not be able to pay dividends to its stockholders outside of China. Inaddition, under current Chinese law, the Company’s joint-ventures and wholly-owned enterprise in China must retain a reserve equal to 10% of its netincome after taxes, not to exceed 50% of its registered capital. Accordingly, this reserve will not be available to be distributed as dividends to the Company’sstockholders. The Company presently does not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. The Company’s board of directors intends to follow apolicy of retaining all of its earnings to finance the development and execution of its strategy and the expansion of its business. Registered public accounting firms in China, including the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, are not inspected by the U.S. PublicCompany Accounting Oversight Board, which deprives the Company and its investors of the benefits of such inspection. Auditors of companies whose shares are registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and traded publicly in the United States, including theCompany’s independent registered public accounting firm, must be registered with the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the “PCAOB,”and are required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess their compliance with the laws of the United Statesand professional standards applicable to auditors. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm is located in, and organized under the lawsof, the PRC, which is a jurisdiction where the PCAOB, notwithstanding the requirements of U.S. law, is currently unable to conduct inspections without theapproval of the Chinese authorities, which approval has not been granted for auditors such as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.This lack of PCAOB inspections in China prevents the PCAOB from fully evaluating audits and quality control procedures of the Company’s independentregistered public accounting firm. As a result, the Company and investors in its common stock are deprived of the benefits of such PCAOB inspections. The inability of the PCAOB to conduct inspections of auditors in China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of the Company’s independentregistered public accounting firm’s audit procedures or quality control procedures as compared to auditors outside of China that are subject to PCAOBinspections, which could cause investors and potential investors in the Company’s stock to lose confidence in its audit procedures and reported financialinformation and the quality of its financial statements. 22Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Proceedings instituted by the SEC against PRC affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm,could result in our financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Starting in 2011, the Chinese affiliates of the “big four” accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, were affected by aconflict between U.S. and Chinese law. Specifically, for certain U.S.-listed companies operating and audited in mainland China, the SEC and the PCAOBsought to obtain from the Chinese firms access to their audit work papers and related documents. However, the firms were advised and directed that underChinese law, they could not respond directly to the U.S. regulators on those requests, and that requests by foreign regulators for access to such papers inChina had to be channeled through the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or the CSRC. In late 2012, this impasse led the SEC to commence administrative proceedings under Rule 102(e) of its Rules of Practice and also under the Sarbanes-OxleyAct of 2002 against the Chinese accounting firms, including our independent registered public accounting firm. A first instance trial of the proceedings inJuly 2013 in the SEC’s internal administrative court resulted in an adverse judgment against the firms. The administrative law judge proposed penalties onthe firms including a temporary suspension of their right to practice before the SEC, although that proposed penalty did not take effect pending review by theCommissioners of the SEC. On February 6, 2015, before a review by the Commissioners had taken place, the firms reached a settlement with the SEC. Underthe settlement, the SEC accepted that future requests by the SEC for the production of documents will normally be made to the CSRC. The firms were toreceive matching Section 106 requests, and were required to abide by a detailed set of procedures with respect to such requests, which in substance requiredthem to facilitate production via the CSRC. If they failed to meet specified criteria, the SEC retained authority to impose a variety of additional remedialmeasures on the firms depending on the nature of the failure. Under the terms of the settlement, the underlying proceeding against the four China-based accounting firms was deemed dismissed with prejudice four yearsafter entry of the settlement. The four-year mark occurred on February 6, 2019. We cannot predict whether the SEC will further challenge the four China-based accounting firms’ compliance with U.S. law in connection with U.S. regulatory requests for audit work papers or if the results of such a challenge wouldresult in the SEC imposing penalties such as suspensions. If additional remedial measures are imposed on the Chinese affiliates of the “big four” accountingfirms, including our independent registered public accounting firm, we could be unable to timely file future financial statements in compliance with therequirements of the Exchange Act. In the event that the Chinese affiliates of the “big four” become subject to additional legal challenges by the SEC or the PCAOB, depending upon the finaloutcome, listed companies in the United States with major PRC operations may find it difficult or impossible to retain auditors in respect of their operationsin the PRC, which could result in financial statements being determined to not be in compliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, includingpossible delisting. Moreover, any negative news about any such future proceedings against these audit firms may cause investor uncertainty regarding China-based, U.S.-listed companies and the market price of our common stock may be adversely affected. If our independent registered public accounting firm were denied, even temporarily, the ability to practice before the SEC and we were unable to timely findanother registered public accounting firm to audit and issue an opinion on our financial statements, our financial statements could be determined not to be incompliance with the requirements of the Exchange Act. Such a determination could ultimately lead to the delisting of our common stock from the NasdaqCapital Market or deregistration from the SEC, or both, which would substantially reduce or effectively terminate the trading of our common stock in theUnited States. 23Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The non-U.S. activities of our non-U.S. subsidiaries may be subject to U.S. taxation. The majority of our subsidiaries are based in China and are subject to income taxes in the PRC. These China-based subsidiaries conduct substantially all ofour operations, and generate most of our income in China. The Company is a Delaware corporation and is subject to income tax in the United States. NewU.S. federal tax legislation, commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “U.S. Tax Reform”), was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The U.S.Tax Reform significantly modified the U.S. Internal Revenue Code by, among other things, reducing the statutory U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from35% to 21% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017; limiting and/or eliminating many business deductions; migrating the U.S. to a territorialtax system with a one-time transition tax on a mandatory deemed repatriation of previously deferred foreign earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries; subjectto certain limitations, generally eliminating U.S. corporate income tax on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; and providing for new taxes on certain foreignearnings. Taxpayers may elect to pay the one-time transition tax over eight years, or in a single lump-sum payment. Certain activities conducted in the PRC or other jurisdictions outside of the U.S. may give rise to U.S. corporate income tax. These taxes would be imposedon the Company when its subsidiaries that are controlled foreign corporations (“CFCs”) generate income that is subject to Subpart F of the U.S. InternalRevenue Code, or “Subpart F”. Passive income, such as rents, royalties, interest, dividends, and gain from disposal of our investments is among the types ofincome subject to taxation under Subpart F. Any income taxable under Subpart F is taxable in the U.S. at federal corporate income tax rates of up to 21% fortaxable years beginning after December 31, 2017. Subpart F income is taxable to the Company, even if it is not distributed to the Company. The U.S. Tax Reform also includes provisions for a new tax on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”) effective for tax years of non-U.S. corporationsbeginning after December 31, 2017. The GILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of CFCs, subject tothe possible use of foreign tax credits and a deduction equal to 50 percent to offset the income tax liability, subject to some limitations. Information technology dependency and cyber security vulnerabilities could lead to reduced revenue, liability claims, or competitive harm. The Company is dependent on information technology systems and infrastructure (“IT systems”) to conduct its business. Our IT systems may be vulnerable todisruptions from human error, outdated applications, computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions. Anysignificant disruption, breakdown, intrusion, interruption or corruption of these systems or data breaches could cause the loss of data or intellectual property,equipment damage, downtime, and/or safety related issues and could have a material adverse effect on our business. We have, from time to time, experiencedincidents related to our IT systems, and expect that such incidents will continue, including malware and computer virus outbreaks, unauthorized access,systems failures and disruptions. We have measures and defenses in place against such events, but we may not be able to prevent, immediately detect, orremediate all instances of such events. A material security breach or disruption of our IT systems could result in theft, unauthorized use, or publication of ourintellectual property and/or confidential business information, harm our competitive position, disrupt our manufacturing, reduce the value of our investmentin research and development and other strategic initiatives, impair our ability to access vendors and suppliers or otherwise adversely affect our business. Additionally, we believe that utilities and other operators of critical infrastructure that serve our facilities face heightened security risks, including cyber-attack. In the event of such an attack, disruption in service from our utility providers could disrupt our manufacturing operations which rely on a continuoussource of power (electrical, gas, etc.). ITEM 1B.UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS. Not Applicable. 24Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. ITEM 2.PROPERTIES. The Company’s headquarters are located at No. 1 Henglong Road, Yu Qiao Development Zone, Shashi District, Jing Zhou City Hubei Province, the PRC. Setforth below are the manufacturing facilities operated by each joint venture. The Company has forty-five to fifty years long-term rights to use the lands andbuildings (in thousands of USD, except for references to area in square meters). Total Area Building Area Original Cost of Name of Entity Product (sq.m.) (sq.m.) Equipment SiteHenglong Automotive Parts 97,818 20,226 $55,438 Jingzhou City, Hubei Province 13,393 13,707 $- Wuhan City, Hubei ProvinceJiulong Power Steering Gear 39,478 23,728 $35,690 Jingzhou City, Hubei ProvinceShenyang Automotive Steering Gear 35,354 10,425 $6,169 Shenyang City, Liaoning ProvinceChongqing Power Steering Gear 57,849 10,413 $2,431 Chongqing CityJielong (1) Electric Power Steering - - $4,813 Jingzhou City, Hubei ProvinceWuhan Chuguanjie Electric Power Steering 53,675 - $- Wuhan City, Hubei ProvinceUSAI (1) Sensor Modular - - $1,021 Wuhan City, Hubei ProvinceHubei Henglong Automotive Steering Gear 177,747 65,749 $17,438 Jingzhou City, Hubei ProvinceWuhu Automotive Steering Gear 83,705 27,288 $4,610 Wuhu City, Anhui ProvinceTotal 559,019 171,536 $127,610 (1)Jielong and USAI do not own land use rights or buildings by themselves. They rent buildings from Jiulong and Henglong, respectively. The Company is not involved in investments in real estate or interests in real estate, real estate mortgages, and securities of or interests in persons primarilyengaged in real estate activities, as all of its land rights are used for production purposes. ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. On September 17, 2018, two purported stockholders of the Company filed a complaint under 8 Del. C. § 211, seeking a court order requiring the Company tohold a 2018 annual meeting of its stockholders. On September 27, 2018, the Company issued a press release announcing an annual stockholders meeting setfor December 5, 2018. On October 8, 2018, the Company moved to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. On October 10, 2018, the Company filedits annual proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to its December 5, 2018 annual meeting, which was heldas scheduled. The case has been dismissed voluntarily. On January 7, 2019, three purported stockholders of the Company filed a stockholder derivative complaint on behalf of the Company against the Company’sdirectors Hanlin Chen, Qizhou Wu, Arthur Wong, Guangxun Xu and Robert Tung, alleging that they had (a) breached their fiduciary duties by approving andpaying excessive compensation to the non-employee directors of the Company, Arthur Wong, Guangxun Xu and Robert Tung, and (b) failed to make full andaccurate disclosure of all material information with respect to director qualification and director compensation paid in 2017 in the Company’s annual proxystatement on Schedule 14A filed on October 10, 2018. The directors have engaged their own counsel to answer this complaint. Management expects theimpact of the suit on the Company’s consolidated financial statements to be immaterial. Other than as described above, (a) the Company is not a party to any pending or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any threatened legal proceedingsand (b) no director, officer or affiliate of the Company, or owner of record of more than five percent of the securities of the Company, or any associate of anysuch director, officer or security holder is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company in reference to pending litigation. 25Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES. Not applicable. PART II ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OFEQUITY SECURITIES. The Company’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “CAAS”. ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES On December 18, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program under which the Company was permitted to repurchaseup to $5.0 million of its common stock from time to time in the open market at prevailing markets prices or in privately negotiated transactional throughDecember 17, 2016. The repurchase program terminated on December 17, 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, under the repurchase program, theCompany repurchased 477,015 shares of the Company’s common stock for cash consideration of $1.9 million on the open market. On December 5, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program under which the Company was permitted to repurchaseup to $5.0 million of its common stock from time to time in the open market at prevailing markets prices or in privately negotiated transactions throughDecember 4, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2018, under the repurchase program, the Company repurchased 17,400 shares of the Company’scommon stock for cash consideration of $0.05 million on the open market. In January 2019, the Company repurchased 128,881 shares of the Company’scommon stock for cash consideration of $0.3 million on the open market. There were no repurchases of the Company’s common stock in February 2019 or inMarch 2019 through the date of this report. STOCKHOLDERS The Company’s common shares are issued in registered form. Securities Transfer Corporation in Frisco, Texas is the registrar and transfer agent for theCompany’s common stock. As of December 31, 2018, there were 31,626,604 shares of the Company’s common stock (excluding 711,698 shares of theCompany’s treasury stock) issued and outstanding and the Company had approximately 57 stockholders of record. DIVIDENDS The Company does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company currently intends to retain future earnings, if any, tofinance operations and the expansion of its business. Any future determination to pay cash dividends will be at the discretion of the Company’s board ofdirectors and will be based upon the Company’s financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, plans for expansion, restrictions imposed by anyfinancing arrangements and any other factors that the Company’s board of directors deems relevant. 26Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS The securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans at December 31, 2018 are as follows: Number of securities to be Weighted average Number of securities issued upon exercise of exercise price of remaining available for Plan category outstanding options outstanding options future issuance Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 2,200,000 $5.66 1,563,650 The stock option plan was approved at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 28, 2005 and extended for ten years at the Annual Meeting ofStockholders held on September 16, 2014. The maximum common shares for issuance under the plan are 2,200,000. The term of the plan was extended toJune 27, 2025. ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA. Not Applicable. ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the related notes thereto andother financial information contained elsewhere in this report. GENERAL OVERVIEW China Automotive Systems, Inc., including, when the context so requires, its subsidiaries and the subsidiaries’ interests in the Sino-foreign joint venturesdescribed below, is referred to herein as the “Company.” The Company, through its Sino-foreign joint ventures, engages in the manufacture and sales ofautomotive systems and components in the People’s Republic of China, the “PRC,” or “China.” Genesis, a company incorporated on January 3, 2003 underthe Companies Ordinance of Hong Kong as a limited liability company, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Henglong USA Corporation,“HLUSA,” which was incorporated on January 8, 2007 in Troy, Michigan, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and mainly engages in marketing ofautomotive parts in North America, and provides after sales service and research and development support accordingly. Furthermore, the Company owns thefollowing aggregate net interests in the subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC and Brazil as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. Aggregate Net Interest December 31, December 31, Name of Entity 2018 2017 Henglong 100.00% 100.00%Jiulong 100.00% 100.00%Shenyang 70.00% 70.00%USAI 83.34% 83.34%Wuhu 77.33% 77.33%Jielong 85.00% 85.00%Hubei Henglong 100.00% 100.00%Testing Center 100.00% 100.00%Chongqing Henglong 70.00% 70.00%Brazil Henglong 95.84% 95.84%Wuhan Chuguanjie 85.00% 85.00%Shanghai Henglong 100.00% 100.00%Jingzhou Qingyan 60.00% 60.00%Henglong KYB 66.60% - 27Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Selected highlights from our operations (in thousands of U.S. dollars): 2018 2017 Change Change% Net product sales $496,158 $499,063 $(2,905) -0.6%Cost of products sold 430,745 414,429 16,316 3.8%Net gain on other sales 3,940 7,635 (3,695) -48.4%Selling expenses 18,949 19,912 (963) -4.8%General and administrative expenses 19,761 19,543 218 1.1%Research and development expenses 33,551 33,544 7 0.0%Operating (loss)/income (2,908) 19,270 (22,178) -115.1%Other income, net 1,173 678 495 73.0%Interest expense (2,928) (1,753) (1,175) 67.0%Financial income, net 2,162 2,180 (18) -0.8%(Loss)/income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliatedcompanies (2,501) 20,375 (22,876) -112.3%Income taxes (1,465) 41,633 (43,098) -103.5%Net income/(loss) 79 (18,639) 18,718 -100.4%Net (loss)/income attributable to non-controlling interest (2,298) 707 (3,005) -425.0%Net income/(loss) attributable to parent company’s common shareholders 2,377 (19,346) 21,723 -112.3% Net Product Sales and Cost of Products Sold For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, net sales and cost of sales are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Net Sales Cost of sales 2018 2017 Change 2018 2017 Change Henglong $250,532 $279,706 $(29,174) -10.4% $235,894 $250,507 $(14,613) -5.8%Jiulong 102,994 100,776 2,218 2.2 93,471 87,652 5,819 6.6 Shenyang 25,941 40,182 (14,241) -35.4 23,430 34,829 (11,399) -32.7 Wuhu 30,356 25,599 4,757 18.6 29,638 23,636 6,002 25.4 Hubei Henglong 123,237 92,293 30,944 33.5 97,777 66,390 31,387 47.3 Henglong KYB 23,423 - 23,423 - 22,763 - 22,763 - Other Entities 72,421 59,075 13,346 22.6 58,527 49,871 8,656 17.4 Eliminations (132,746) (98,568) (34,178) 34.7 (130,755) (98,456) (32,299) 32.8 Total $496,158 $499,063 $(2,905) -0.6% $430,745 $414,429 $16,316 3.9% Net Product Sales Net product sales were $496.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, as compared to $499.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,representing a decrease of $2.9 million, or 0.6%. Net sales of traditional steering products were $388.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $378.4 million for 2017, representing anincrease of $9.9million, or 2.6%. Net sales of EPS were $107.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to $120.7 million for 2017,representing a decrease of $12.8 million, or 10.6%. As a percentage of net sales, the sales of EPS was 21.7% for the year ended December 31, 2018, comparedto 24.2% for 2017. 28Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The decrease in net product sales was due to the effects of three major factors: i) the decrease in sales volume led to a sales decrease of $4.2 million due to thesoft demand in the China domestic brand automobile market; ii) the decrease in average selling price of steering gears led to a sales decrease of $10.1million; and iii) the appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar in 2018 led to a sales increase of $11.4 million. Further analysis is as follows: —Henglong mainly engages in providing passenger vehicle steering systems. Net sales for Henglong were $250.5 million for the year ended December31, 2018, compared with $279.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing a decrease of $29.2 million, or 10.4%, which was mainlydue to soft demand in the China domestic brand automobile market in 2018 and the shift of production capacity to Henglong KYB after itsestablishment. A decrease in sales volume led to a sales decrease of $33.3 million, a decrease in selling price led to a sales decrease of $0.9 million, andthe effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar led to a sales increase of $5.0 million. —Jiulong mainly engages in providing commercial vehicle steering systems. Net sales for Jiulong were $103.0 million for the year ended December 31,2018, compared with $100.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing an increase of $2.2 million, or 2.2%. A decrease in salesvolume led to a sales decrease of $5.3 million, an increase in selling price led to a sales increase of $5.1 million, and the effect of foreign currencytranslation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar led to a sales increase of $2.4 million. —Shenyang mainly engages in providing vehicle steering systems to Shenyang Brilliance Jinbei Automobile Co., LTD., “Jinbei”, one of the majorautomotive manufacturers in China. Net sales for Shenyang were $25.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with $40.2 million forthe year ended December 31, 2017, representing a decrease of $14.3 million, or 35.6%. A decrease in sales volumes led to a sales decrease of $20.3million, an increase in selling price led to a sales increase of $5.4 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S.dollar led to a sales increase of $0.6 million. —Wuhu mainly engages in providing vehicle steering systems to Chery Automobile Co., Ltd., “Chery”, one of the major automotive manufacturers inChina. Net sales for Wuhu were $30.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with $25.6 million for the year ended December 31,2017, representing an increase of $4.8 million, or 18.8%. An increase in sales volumes led to a sales increase of $5.9 million, a decrease in selling pricesled to a sales decrease of $2.0 million and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar led to a sales increase of $0.9million. —Hubei Henglong mainly engages in providing vehicle steering systems to Chrysler and Ford. Net sales for Hubei Henglong were $123.2 million forthe year ended December 31, 2018, compared with $92.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing an increase of $30.9 million, or33.5%. The significant increase in the sales of Hubei Henglong was mainly due to the new products developed for Chrysler and Ford that began massproduction at the end of 2017. An increase in sales volumes led to a sales increase of $22.7 million, an increase in selling price led to a sales increase of$6.3 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar led to a sales increase of $1.9 million. —Henglong KYB mainly engages in providing passenger EPS products. Net sales for Henglong KYB were $23.4 million for the year ended December 31,2018. The Company restructured its business and transferred its EPS business from Henglong to Henglong KYB in the fourth quarter of 2018. TheCompany’s EPS business will be primarily operated by Henglong KYB in the future. Henglong KYB contributed $23.4 million of net sales in 2018. —Net sales for Other Entities were $72.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with $59.1 million for the year ended December 31,2017, representing an increase of $13.3 million, or 22.5%, mainly contributed by Jielong, which manufactures automobile steering columns for bothHydraulic Power Steering (“HPS”) and EPS. 29Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Cost of Products Sold For the year ended December 31, 2018, the cost of sales was $430.7 million, compared with $414.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,representing an increase of $16.3 million, or 3.9%. The increase in cost of sales was mainly due to the effect of the following major factors: i) the change inproduct mix, i.e. unit costs of new products are generally higher than those of the previous products; ii) the decrease in sales volumes with a cost of salesdecrease of $6.5 million; iii) the increase in unit cost with a cost of sales increase of $10.9 million due to the increase in the cost of raw materials in China;and iv) the appreciation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar with a cost of sales increase of $11.9 million. Further analysis is as follows: —Cost of sales for Henglong was $235.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with $250.5 million for the year ended December 31,2017, representing a decrease of $14.6 million, or 5.8%. A decrease in sales volumes resulted in a cost of sales decrease of $25.2 million, an increase inunit material and subcomponents costs led to a cost of sales increase of $5.7 million and the effect of foreign currency translation of the RMB againstthe U.S. dollar led to a cost of sales increase of $4.9 million. —Cost of sales for Jiulong was $93.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with $87.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,representing an increase of $5.8 million, or 6.6%. The increase in cost of sales was mainly due to a decrease in sales volumes resulting in a cost of salesdecrease of $5.1 million, an increase in unit cost resulting in a cost of sales increase of $8.2 million, and the effect of foreign currency translation of theRMB against the U.S. dollar resulting in a cost of sales increase of $2.7 million. —Cost of sales for Shenyang was $23.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with $34.8 million for the year ended December 31,2017, representing a decrease of $11.4 million, or 32.8%. The decrease in cost of sales was mainly due to a decrease in sales volumes resulting in a costof sales decrease of $17.6 million, an increase in unit cost resulting in a cost of sales increase of $5.7 million and the effect of foreign currencytranslation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar resulting in a cost of sales increase of $0.5 million. —Cost of sales for Wuhu was $29.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with $23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,representing an increase of $6.0 million, or 25.4%. The increase in cost of sales was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes resulting in a cost ofsales increase of $5.7 million, a decrease in unit cost resulting in a cost of sales decrease of $0.6 million and the effect of foreign currency translation ofthe RMB against the U.S. dollar resulting in a cost of sales increase of $0.9 million. —Cost of sales for Hubei Henglong was $97.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with $66.4 million for the year ended December31, 2017, representing an increase of $31.4 million, or 47.3%. The increase in cost of sales was mainly due to an increase in sales volumes resulting in acost of sales increase of $17.1 million, an increase in unit cost resulting in a cost of sales increase of $11.6 million and the appreciation of the RMBagainst the U.S. dollar resulting in a cost of sales increase of $2.7 million. —Cost of sales for Henglong KYB was $22.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company transferred its EPS business from Henglong toHenglong KYB in the fourth quarter of 2018. —Cost of sales for Other Entities was $58.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with $49.9 million for the year ended December 31,2017, representing an increase of $8.6 million, or 17.2%. The increase in cost of sales for Other Entities was mainly due to the increase in cost of salesof Jielong, primarily due to the increase in sales. Gross margin was 13.2% for the year ended December 31, 2018, representing a 3.8% decrease from 17.0% for the year ended December 31, 2017, mainly dueto the increase in the cost of raw materials and the changes in the product mix in 2018. Net Gain on Other Sales Gain on other sales mainly consisted of gain from sales of materials, property, plant and equipment, land use rights and scraps. For the year ended December31, 2018, gain on other sales amounted to $3.9 million, as compared to $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing a decrease of $3.7million. The decrease was mainly due to the fact that, during the second quarter of 2017, the Company disposed of a building located in Jingzhou andrecognized a gain of $2.2 million. 30Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Selling Expenses For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, selling expenses are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Increase/(Decrease) Percentage Transportation expense $6,468 $7,356 $(888) -12.1%Salaries and wages 4,241 4,492 (251) -5.6%Marketing and office expense 5,506 5,130 376 7.3%Warehousing and inventory handling expenses 2,503 2,628 (125) -4.8%Other expense 231 306 (75) -24.5%Total $18,949 $19,912 $(963) -4.8% Selling expenses were $18.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. As compared to $19.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, there was adecrease of $1.0 million, or 5.0%, which was mainly due to decreased logistics fees as a result of decreased sales transactions and lower-priced logisticssuppliers. General and Administrative Expenses For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, general and administrative expenses are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Increase/(Decrease) Percentage Salaries and wages $7,148 $7,323 $(175) -2.4%Labor insurance expenses 2,412 2,552 (140) -5.5%Maintenance and repair expenses 1,215 931 284 30.5%Property and other taxes 1,013 1,599 (586) -36.6%Provision of allowance for doubtful accounts 887 893 (6) -0.7%Office expense 3,044 2,889 155 5.4%Depreciation and amortization expense 1,490 1,442 48 3.3%Listing expenses (1) 2,153 1,566 587 37.5%Others expenses 399 348 51 14.7%Total $19,761 $19,543 $218 1.1% (1)Listing expenses consisted of the costs associated with legal, accounting and auditing fees for operating a public company. The expenses alsoincluded share-based compensation expense for options granted to independent directors. The increase in listing expenses in 2018 was primarily dueto the professional service fees incurred related to the going-private transaction which has been terminated. General and administrative expenses were $19.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. As compared to $19.5 million for the year ended December31, 2017, there was an increase of $0.3 million, or 1.5%, which was mainly due to the increase in listing expenses by $0.6 million and the decrease in laborexpenses by $0.3 million. Research and Development Expenses Research and development expenses, “R&D” expenses, were $33.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 consistent with $33.5 million for the yearended December 31, 2017. 31Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The global automotive parts industry is highly competitive; winning and maintaining new business requires suppliers to rapidly produce innovativeproducts on a cost-competitive basis. In the past several years, the Company has continued to purchase advanced manufacturing equipment for newlydeveloped products, hiring senior technicians and actively seeking external technical support. Operating (Loss)/Income Loss from operations was $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to operating income of $19.3 million for the year ended December31, 2017, representing a decrease in operating income of $22.2 million, which was mainly due to a decrease of $19.2 million in gross profit and a decrease of$3.7 million in gain on other sales. Other Income, Net Other income, net was $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing anincrease of $0.5 million, or 71.4%, primarily due to an increase in government subsidies recognized in 2018. Interest Expense Interest expense was $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 as compared to $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing anincrease of $1.1 million, or 61.1%, primarily due to the new bank and government loan borrowed in 2018 and higher interest rates. Financial Income, Net Financial income, net was $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, consistent with $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. (Loss)/Income Before Income Tax Expenses and Equity in Earnings of Affiliated Companies Loss before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies was $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared withincome before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies of $20.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, representing adecrease in income of $22.9 million, including a decrease in income from operations of $22.2 million, an increase in other income of $0.5 million and anincrease in interest expenses of $1.1 million. Income Taxes Income tax benefit was $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 compared to income tax expense of $41.6 million for the year ended December 31,2017, representing a decrease in income tax expense of $43.1 million. The decrease in 2018 resulted primarily from a one-time transition tax of $35.6 millionrecognized in the fourth quarter of 2017 mandated by the U.S. Tax Reform. In addition, withholding tax of $3.9 million was accrued in the fourth quarter of2017 since the Company plans to distribute dividends from its PRC subsidiaries to the Company in order to fund the payment of such one-time transition tax.Excluding the one-time transition tax and the withholding tax discussed above, income tax benefit was mainly due to the additional R&D expenses super-deduction in calculating China entities’ taxable income allowed in 2018 according to China’s new tax regulation. 32Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Net Income/(Loss) Net income was $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with net loss of $18.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2017,representing an increase in net income of $18.7 million, mainly due to a decrease in income before income tax expenses of $22.9 million, a decrease inincome tax expenses of $43.0 million and a decrease in equity in earnings of affiliated companies of $1.5 million. Net (Loss)/Income Attributable to Non-controlling Interests The Company recorded a net loss attributable to non-controlling interests of $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018, compared to net income of$0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to Parent Company’s Common Shareholders Net income attributable to parent company was $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. As compared to net loss attributable to parent companyof $19.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, there was an increase in net income attributable to parent company of $21.7 million, mainly resultingfrom the increase in net income of $18.7 million and an increase in net loss attributable to non-controlling interests of $3.0 million. PRIVATIZATION PROPOSAL On August 2, 2017, the Company issued a press release announcing the appointment by the special committee (the “Special Committee”) of theCompany’s board of directors of HoulihanLokey Capital, Inc. as its financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis as its U.S. legal counsel in connection with itsreview and evaluation of the previously announced preliminary non-binding proposal letter (the “Proposal”) that the Company’s board of directors receivedon May 14, 2017 from Mr. Hanlin Chen, the Chairman of the board of directors of the Company, relating to a possible “going private” transaction, as well asin connection with its review and evaluation of any other sale, merger, business combination or other corporate transaction, with Mr. Chen or any other party,and any other strategic alternatives. In connection with the Proposal, the Company incurred expenses primarily due to professional service fees related to theProposal. In addition, the Company paid a supplemental director fee to each of Mr. Arthur Wong, Mr. Guangxun Xu and Mr. Robert Tung of approximately$9,333 per month over a period of ten months from May 2017 to February 2018 to compensate them in connection with their evaluation of the Proposal. Theaggregate amount of such supplemental director fees paid was $279,990. In connection with the appointment of the Special Committee of independentdirectors to evaluate the privatization proposal, the Company’s management studied the fees payable to members of the special committee in over 25privatization bids. Based on that information, the Company’s management determined that the aggregate fees paid by companies to members of a specialcommittee in connection with a going-private transaction ranged from $75,000 to $440,000, with an average of $244,176 and a median of $220,000. For themore recent transactions, the aggregate fees ranged from $200,000 to $650,000, with an average of $487,000. Considering the size and complexity of theCompany, the Company’s management determined to cap the fees payable to the Special Committee at $280,000, even if the privatization transaction wereto take more than ten months to complete. 33Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. On August 16, 2018, as previously announced, the Special Committee received a notice of withdrawal of the Proposal. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Capital Resources and Use of Cash The Company has historically financed its liquidity requirements from a variety of sources, including short-term borrowings under bank credit agreements,bankers’ acceptances, issuances of capital stock and notes and internally generated cash. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had cash and cashequivalents and short-term investments of $103.9 million, compared with $94.1 million as of December 31, 2017, an increase of $9.8 million, or 10.4%.Short-term investments included pledged short-term investments of nil and $2.0 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. The Company had working capital (current assets less current liabilities) of $154.1 million as of December 31, 2018, compared with $159.1 million as ofDecember 31, 2017, representing a decrease of $5.0 million, or 3.1%. Except for the expected distribution of dividends from the Company’s PRC subsidiaries to the Company in order to fund the payment of the one-timetransition tax due to the U.S. Tax Reform, the Company intends to indefinitely reinvest the funds in subsidiaries established in the PRC. The Company believes that, in view of its current cash position, the cash expected to be generated from the operations and funds available from bankborrowings will be sufficient to meet its working capital and capital expenditure requirements (including the repayment of bank loans) for at least twelvemonths commencing from the date of issuance of this annual report. Capital Source The Company’s capital source is multifaceted, such as bank loans and banks’ acceptance facilities. In financing activities and operating activities, theCompany’s banks require the Company to sign line of credit agreements and repay such facilities within one year. On the condition that the Company canprovide adequate mortgage security and has not violated the terms of the line of credit agreement, such one year facilities can be extended for another year. The Company had short-term loans of $61.0 million, long-term loans of $0.3 million and bankers’ acceptance notes of $81.0 million as of December 31,2018. The Company currently expects to be able to obtain similar bank loans, i.e., RMB loans, and bankers’ acceptance facilities in the future if it can provideadequate mortgage security following the termination of the above-mentioned agreements, see the table under “Bank Arrangements” below for moreinformation. If the Company is not able to do so, it will have to refinance such debt as it becomes due or repay that debt to the extent it has cash availablefrom operations or from the proceeds of additional issuances of capital stock. Due to a depreciation of assets, the value of the mortgages securing the above-mentioned bank loans and banker's acceptances is expected to be reduced by approximately $12.0 million over the next 12 months. If the Company wishesto obtain the same amount of bank loans and banker's acceptances, it will have to provide additional mortgages of $12.0 million as of the maturity date ofsuch line of credit agreements, see the table under “Bank Arrangements” below for more information. The Company can still obtain a reduced line of creditwith a reduction of $8.2 million, which is 68.3%, the mortgage ratio, of $12.0 million, if it cannot provide additional mortgages. The Company expects thatthe reduction in bank loans will not have a material adverse effect on its liquidity. 34Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Bank Arrangements As of December 31, 2018, the principal outstanding under the Company’s credit facilities and lines of credit was as follows (figures are in thousands of USD). Bank Due Date AmountAvailable(4) Amount Used(2) AssessedMortgageValue(3) 1. Comprehensive credit facilities Hubei Bank Nov 2019 26,227 17,551 54,984 2. Comprehensive credit facilities Shanghai Pudong Development Bank(1) Jan 2019 17,485 13,666 17,046 3. Comprehensive credit facilities China CITIC Bank (1) Jul 2019 3,351 2,186 5,388 China CITIC Bank Oct 2019 74,309 53,783 25,204 4. Comprehensive credit facilities China Everbright Bank Dec 2019 4,371 4,368 7,461 5. Comprehensive credit facilities Bank of Chongqing Sep 2021 729 297 2,276 6. Comprehensive credit facilities Bank of China(1) Sep 2019 19,087 9,565 - Total $145,559 $101,416 $112,359 (1)The comprehensive credit facilities with Shanghai Pudong Development Bank were required to be guaranteed by Jielong and Hubei Henglong inaddition to the above pledged assets. These facilities expired in January 2019, the Company is currently in the process of negotiating with the bank torenew the credit facilities. The comprehensive credit facilities with China CITIC Bank were required to be guaranteed by Henglong and HubeiHenglong, in addition to the above pledged assets. Comprehensive credit facilities with Bank of China are required to be guaranteed by HubeiHenglong. (2)“Amount used” represents the credit facilities used by the Company for the purpose of bank loans or notes payable during the facility contract period.The loans or notes payable under the credit facilities will remain outstanding regardless of the expiration of the relevant credit facilities until theseparate loans or notes payable expire. The amount used includes bank loans of $53.6 million and notes payable of $47.7 million as of December 31,2018. The remainder of $7.6 million of government loans and $33.3 million of notes payable was secured by bank notes or time deposits withoututilization of credit lines. (3)In order to obtain lines of credit, the Company needs to pledge certain assets to banks. As of December 31, 2018, the pledged assets included $11.0million accounts and notes receivable and other pledged assets with assessed value of $101.4 million. (4)“Amount available” is used for the drawdown of bank loans and issuance of bank notes. For the drawdown of bank loans, this amount represents theamount that the Company can borrow immediately; for issuance of bank notes, the Company needs to pledge additional collateral in order to utilizethese bank facilities. (5)The pledged cash deposits were not included in the assessed mortgage value. 35Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Company may request the banks to issue notes payable or bank loans within its credit line using a 365-day revolving line. The Company renewed its existing short-term loans and borrowed new loans during 2018 at annual interest rates ranging from 3.5% to 5.7%, and theCompany’s loan terms range from 6 months to 36 months. The large spread in interest rates was due to the different lenders (interest rates for governmentloans are normally lower than for commercial bank loans). Pursuant to the comprehensive credit line arrangement, the Company pledged and guaranteed: 1.Equipment with an assessed value of approximately $55.0 million as security for its revolving comprehensive credit facility with Hubei Bank. 2.Land use rights and buildings with an assessed value of approximately $17.0 million as security for its revolving comprehensive credit facility withShanghai Pudong Development Bank. 3.Land use rights and buildings with an assessed value of approximately $5.4 million as security for its comprehensive credit facility with China CITICBank Shenyang Branch. Land use rights and buildings with an assessed value of approximately $14.2 million as security for its comprehensive credit facility with China CITICBank Wuhan Branch. 4.Land use rights and buildings with an assessed value of approximately $7.5 million as security for its comprehensive credit facility with ChinaEverbright Bank. 5.Land use rights and buildings with an assessed value of approximately $2.3 million as security for its comprehensive credit facility with Bank ofChongqing. Short-term and Long-term Loans The following table summarizes the contract information of short-term and long-term borrowings between the banks, government and the Company as ofDecember 31, 2018 (figures are in thousands of USD). BankGovernment Purpose Borrowing Date Borrowing Term (Months) Annual Interest Rate Date of Interest Payment Due Date Amount Payable on Due Date Wuhu Municipal Science andTechnology Bureau Working Capital Nov 13, 2017 36 4.75% Pay quarterly Nov 12, 2020 291 China CITIC Bank(1) Working Capital Jan 31, 2018 12 5.22% Pay monthly Jan 31, 2019 1,457 China CITIC Bank Working Capital Aug 10, 2018 12 3.93% Pay in arrear Aug 9, 2019 1,682 China CITIC Bank Working Capital Aug 10, 2018 12 3.84% Pay in arrear Aug 9, 2019 3,927 China CITIC Bank Working Capital Aug 21, 2018 12 3.63% Pay in arrear Aug 20, 2019 3,373 China CITIC Bank Working Capital Aug 21, 2018 12 3.98% Pay in arrear Aug 20, 2019 7,003 China CITIC Bank Working Capital Aug 22, 2018 12 3.98% Pay in arrear Aug 20, 2019 3,782 China CITIC Bank Working Capital Aug 23, 2018 12 3.79% Pay in arrear Aug 22, 2019 2,807 China CITIC Bank Working Capital Sep 6, 2018 12 4.01% Pay in arrear Sep 5, 2019 1,106 China CITIC Bank Working Capital Sep 7, 2018 12 3.95% Pay in arrear Sep 6, 2019 841 Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Working Capital Sep 21, 2018 10 5.23% Pay monthly Jul 20, 2019 4,371 Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Working Capital Sep 21, 2018 10 5.23% Pay monthly Jul 20, 2019 1,894 China CITIC Bank Working Capital Sep 26, 2018 6 5.70% Pay monthly Mar 26, 2019 10,199 Financial Bureau of JingzhouDevelopment Zone Working Capital Sep 27, 2018 9 3.48% Pay in arrear Jun 28, 2019 7,285 Hubei Bank Working Capital Oct 19, 2018 12 5.22% Pay monthly Oct 19, 2019 2,914 Bank of Chongqing Working Capital Oct 29, 2018 12 5.66% Pay monthly Oct 28, 2019 202 Bank of China Working Capital Nov 23, 2018 12 4.57% Pay monthly Nov 22, 2019 2,914 China CITIC Bank Working Capital Nov 28, 2018 7 5.22% Pay monthly Jul 8, 2019 2,186 Bank of China Working Capital Dec 19, 2018 12 4.57% Pay monthly Dec 18, 2019 2,914 Bank of Chongqing Working Capital Dec 28, 2018 12 5.66% Pay monthly Dec 24, 2019 95 Total $61,243 (1)This bank loan was repaid on January 31, 2019. 36Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Company must use the loans for the purpose described in the table. For the bank loans of $4.4 million and $1.9 million, respectively, with ShanghaiPudong Development Bank, the bank loans of $1.5 million and $10.2 million, respectively, with China CITIC Bank, and the government loan of $0.3million with Wuhu Municipal Science and Technology Bureau, if the Company fails to do so, it will be charged penalty interest at 100% of the specifiedloan rate listed in the table above or early repayment will be triggered. For the bank loans of $2.9 million and $2.9 million, respectively, with Bank of China,if the Company fails to do so, it will be charged penalty interest at 50% of the specified loan rate listed in the table above or early repayment will betriggered. The Company has to pay interest at the interest rate described in the table on the 20th of each month, quarter or semiannual period, as applicable. Ifthe Company fails to do so, it will be charged compound interest at the specified rate in the above table. The Company has to repay the principal outstandingon the specified date in the table. If it fails to do so, it will be charged penalty interest at 30% of the specified loan rate for bank loans with Bank of China,and penalty interest at 50% of the specified loan rate for bank loans with other banks. The Company had complied with such financial covenants as of December 31, 2018, and management believes it will continue to comply with them. Notes Payable The following table summarizes the contract information of issuing notes payable between the banks and the Company as of December 31, 2018 (figures arein thousands of USD): Amount Payable on Purpose Term (Month) Due Date Due Date Working Capital (1) 6 Jan, 2019 $ 12,739 Working Capital (1) 6 Feb, 2019 13,120 Working Capital (1) 6 Mar, 2019 14,592 Working Capital 6 Apr, 2019 14,504 Working Capital 6 May, 2019 12,581 Working Capital 6 Jun, 2019 13,497 Total $81,033 (1)The notes payable were repaid in full on their respective due dates. 37Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Company must use notes payable for the purpose described in the table. If it fails to do so, the banks will no longer issue the notes payable, and it mayhave an adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and capital resources. The Company has to deposit sufficient cash in the designated account of the bankon the due date of notes payable for payment to the suppliers. If the bank has advanced payment for the Company, it will be charged a penalty interest at 50%of the loan rate that is published by the People’s Bank of China for the same period. The Company complied with such financial covenants as of December31, 2018, and management believes it will continue to comply with them. Cash flows (a)Operating Activities Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $12.5 million, compared with $48.9 million for the year endedDecember 31, 2017, representing a decrease of $36.4 million, which was mainly due to the net effect of (1) the increase in net income excluding non-cashitems by $17.8 million primarily because of the one-time transition tax of $35.6 million recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017 and a decrease in incomebefore income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies of $22.9 million and (2) the decrease in cash inflows from movements of operatingassets and liabilities by $54.2 million, which includes the net effect of (i) the decrease in cash inflows due to the movement of accounts and notes receivableby $3.4 million compared to 2017, (ii) the increase in cash outflows due to the movement of advance payments and others by $3.3 million, (iii) the increasein cash outflows due to the movement of inventories by $5.7 million, (iv) the increase in cash outflows due to the movement of accounts and notes payableby $25.0 million, (v) the increase in cash outflows due to the movement of customer deposits by $0.7 million, (vi) the increase in cash outflows due to themovement of accrued payroll and related costs by $2.2 million, (vii) the increase in cash inflows due to the movement of accrued expenses and otherpayables by $8.3 million and (viii) the decrease in cash inflows due to the movement of tax payable by $22.0 million. (b)Investing Activities The Company had net cash of $2.5 million provided in investment activities during the year ended December 31, 2018, compared with net cash used of$47.3 million in 2017, representing an increase of $49.8 million, which was mainly due to the net effect of (1) an increase in cash inflows due to thegovernment subsidy received for purchase of property, plant and equipment by $1.3 million, (2) a decrease in cash received from property, plant andequipment sales of $1.2 million, (3) a decrease in cash paid to acquire property, plant and equipment of $1.3 million, (4) a decrease in cash paid to purchaseshort-term investments by $9.2 million, (5) a decrease in cash received from proceeds from maturities of short-term investments by $1.6 million, (6) a decreasein cash paid to equity investment by $1.6 million, (7) a decrease in a loan to a related party of $29.0 million and (8) an increase in the proceed fromrepayment of a loan to a related party by $9.8 million. (c)Financing Activities During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company had net cash of $10.1 million provided by financing activities, compared to net cash of $28.5million provided by financing activities for 2017, representing a decrease of $18.4 million, which was mainly due to the net effect of (1) an increase in thecash received from government and bank loans by $6.7 million, (2) an increase in repayments of bank loans of $49.0 million, (3) an increase in cash inflowsdue to the proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions by $11.8 million, (4) an increase in repayment of finance lease by $3.2 million, (5) an increase incash received from capital contributions by non-controlling interest holders of $15.7 million and (6) an increase in payments to broker agents for futurerepurchases of common stock by $0.3 million. 38Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not have any transactions, obligations or relationships that could be considered off-balance sheetarrangements. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES At December 31, 2018, the Company did not enter into any other commitments except those cash requirements disclosed in the Liquidity and CapitalResources section. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS None. INFLATION AND CURRENCY MATTERS China’s economy has experienced rapid growth recently, mostly through the issuance of debt. Debt-induced economic growth can lead to growth in themoney supply and rising inflation. If prices for the Company’s products rise at a rate that is insufficient to compensate for the rise in the cost of supplies, itmay harm the Company’s profitability. In order to control inflation, the Chinese government has imposed controls on bank credit, limits on loans for fixedassets and restrictions on state bank lending. Such policies can lead to a slowing of economic growth. Rises in interest rates by the central bank would likelyslow economic activity in China which could, in turn, materially increase the Company’s costs and also reduce demand for the Company’s products. Foreign operations are subject to certain risks inherent in conducting business abroad, including price and currency exchange controls, and fluctuations inthe relative value of currencies. During 2018, the Company mainly supplied products to North America and settled in cash in U.S. dollars. As a result,appreciation or currency fluctuation of the RMB against the U.S. dollar would increase the cost of export products, and adversely affect the Company’sfinancial performance. In July 2005, the Chinese government adjusted its exchange rate policy from “Fixed Rate” to “Floating Rate.” During December 2017 to December 2018, theexchange rate between RMB and U.S. dollar depreciated from RMB1.00 to $0.1513 to RMB1.00 to $0.1454. The depreciation of the RMB may continue.Significant depreciation of the RMB is likely to decrease the Company’s income generated from China. 39Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS Information regarding new accounting pronouncements is included in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.The preparation of these financial statements requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and thedisclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the reportingperiods. Management periodically evaluates the estimates and judgments made. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience andon various factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates as a result of differentassumptions or conditions. The following critical accounting policies affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of theCompany’s consolidated financial statements. The Company considers an accounting estimate to be critical if: ·it requires the Company to make assumptions about matters that were uncertain at the time it was making the estimate; and ·changes in the estimate or different estimates that the Company could have selected would have had a material impact on the Company’s financialcondition or results of operations. The table below presents information about the nature and rationale for the Company critical accounting estimates: Critical Balance Sheet Estimate Assumptions/Approaches Caption Item Nature of Estimates Required Used Key FactorsAccruedliabilities andother long-termliabilities Warrantyobligations Estimating warranty requires the Company toforecast the resolution of existing claims andexpected future claims on products sold. OEMsare increasingly seeking to hold suppliersresponsible for product warranties, which mayimpact the Company’s exposure to these costs. The Company bases its estimate onhistorical trends of units sold andpayment amounts, combined with itscurrent understanding of the status ofexisting claims and discussions withits customers. ·OEM sourcing·OEM policy decisionsregarding warranty claims Property, plantand equipment,intangibleassets and otherlong-termassets Valuation oflong- livedassets andinvestments The Company is required from time-to-time toreview the recoverability of certain of its assetsbased on projections of anticipated future cashflows, including future profitability assessmentsof various product lines. The Company estimates cash flowsusing internal budgets based on recentsales data, independent automotiveproduction volume estimates andcustomer commitments. ·Future production estimates·Customer preferences anddecisions Accountsreceivable Allowance fordoubtfulaccounts The Company is required from time to time toreview the credit of customers and make timelyprovision of allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company estimates thecollectability of the receivables basedon the future cash flows usinghistorical experiences. ·Customer credit Inventory Provision forinventoryimpairment The Company is required from time to time toreview the turnover of inventory based onprojections of anticipated future cash flows,including provision of inventory impairment forover market price and undesirable inventories. The Company estimates cash flowsusing internal budgets based on recentsales data, independent automotiveproduction volume estimates andcustomer commitments. ·Future production estimates·Customer preferences anddecisions Deferredincome taxes Recoverabilityof deferred taxassets The Company is required to estimate whetherrecoverability of its deferred tax assets is morelikely than not based on forecasts of taxableearnings in the related tax jurisdiction. The Company uses historical andprojected future operating results,based upon approved business plans,including a review of the eligible carryforward period, tax planningopportunities and other relevantconsiderations. ·Tax law changes·Variances in future projectedprofitability, including bytaxing entity 40Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK. The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. For purposes of specific risk analysis, theCompany uses sensitivity analysis to determine the effects that market risk exposures may have. FOREIGN CURRENCY RISK The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar and the majority of its revenues will be settled in RMB and U.S. dollars. The Company’s currencyexchange rate risks come primarily from the sales of products to international customers. Most of the Company’s assets are denominated in RMB except forpart of cash and accounts receivable. As a result, the Company is exposed to foreign exchange risk as its revenues and results of operations may be affectedby fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the RMB. The value of the RMB fluctuates and is affected by, among other things, changes in China's political and economic conditions. In addition, the RMB is notreadily convertible into U.S. dollars or other foreign currencies. All foreign exchange transactions continue to take place either through the Bank of China orother banks authorized to buy and sell foreign currencies at the exchange rate quoted by the People’s Bank of China. The conversion of RMB into foreigncurrencies such as the U.S. dollar has been generally based on rates set by the People's Bank of China, which are set daily based on the previous day'sinterbank foreign exchange market rates and current exchange rates on the world financial markets. On December 31, 2018 and 2017, the exchange rates ofRMB against U.S. dollar were RMB1.00 to $0.1454 and RMB1.00 to $0.1513, respectively. Any significant future appreciation of the RMB is likely todecrease the amount of export products, thus decreasing the Company’s income generated from overseas. In order to mitigate the currency exchange rate risk, the Company has inserted a currency exchange rate fluctuation compensation provision in its salescontracts with its international customers to the effect that both parties will bear 50% of such loss when the fluctuation is over 8% within that contract year. CREDIT RISK Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade accounts receivable. The Company doesnot require collateral or other security to support client receivables since most of its customers are large, well-established companies. The Company's creditrisk is also mitigated because its customers are all selected enterprises supported by the local government. One customer, Fiat Chrysler North America,accounted for more than 10% (18.6%) of the Company’s consolidated revenues in 2018. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for anypotential credit losses related to its trade receivables. The Company does not use foreign exchange contracts to hedge the risk in receivables denominated inforeign currencies and the Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. 41Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. INTEREST RATE RISK The Company’s exposure to changes in interest rates results primarily from its credit facility borrowings. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had nil ofoutstanding indebtedness, which is subject to interest rate fluctuations. The Company’s level of outstanding indebtedness fluctuates from time to time and may result in additional payable. ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. (a)The financial statements required by this item begin on page 62.(b)Selected quarterly financial data for the past two years are summarized in the following table (figures are in thousands of USD, except those for itemsheaded “Basic” and “Diluted”): Quarterly Results of Operations First Second Third Fourth 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net sales $134,018 $119,308 $125,782 $117,660 $112,084 $118,365 $124,274 $143,730 Gross profit 21,639 21,629 17,021 24,061 15,366 22,487 11,387 16,457 Income/(loss) from operations 4,594 7,230 584 11,071 1,830 4,919 (9,916) (3,950)Net income/(loss) 4,032 5,938 996 8,881 378 5,228 (5,327) (38,686)Net (loss)/income attributable to non-controllinginterest (280) 224 149 (40) 1 169 (2,168) 354 Net income/(loss) attributable to parent company’scommon shareholders 4,312 5,714 847 8,921 377 5,059 (3,159) (39,040)Net income/(loss) attributable to parent company’scommon shareholders per share- Basic $0.14 $0.18 $0.03 $0.28 $0.01 $0.16 $(0.10) $(1.23)Diluted $0.14 $0.18 $0.03 $0.28 $0.01 $0.16 $(0.10) $(1.23) ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. None. ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, Messrs. Wu Qizhouand Li Jie, respectively, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2018, the end of the periodcovered by this Report. The term "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to bedisclosed by a company in the reports, such as this Form 10-K, that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized andreported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls andprocedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act isaccumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate, to allowtimely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on that evaluation, Messrs. Wu and Li concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls andprocedures were effective as of December 31, 2018. 42Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act, is a process designed by, or underthe supervision of, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer and effected by the board of directors, management and other personnel to providereasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the consolidated financial statements for external reportingpurposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: a.pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the Company’s assets; b.provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordancewith generally accepted accounting principles, and that the Company’s receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance withappropriate authorization of the Company’s management and board of directors; and c.provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets thatcould have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements. In making its assessment of internal control over financial reporting, management, under the supervision and with the participation of the chief executiveofficer and chief financial officer, used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in "InternalControl—Integrated Framework (2013)." Management has assessed the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018 and determined that internal control overfinancial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2018. This report does not include an auditors' report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting due to SEC rules that exempt smaller reportingcompanies such as CAAS from providing such a report. Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will bemet. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to theircosts. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due toerror or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitationsinclude the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also becircumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls. Projections of anyevaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions ordeterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures. 43Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2018 that have materiallyaffected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION. None. PART III ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. The following table and text set forth the names and ages of all directors and executive officers of the Company as of December 31, 2018. The Board ofDirectors is comprised of only one class. All of the directors will serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are elected andqualified, or until their earlier death, retirement, resignation or removal. Also provided herein are brief descriptions of the business experience of each directorand executive officer during the past five years and an indication of directorships held by each director in other companies subject to the reportingrequirements under the federal securities laws. Name Age Position(s) Hanlin Chen 61 Chairman of the Board Robert Tung 62 Director Guangxun Xu 68 Director Arthur Wong 59 Director Qizhou Wu 54 Chief Executive Officer and Director Jie Li 49 Chief Financial Officer Andy Tse 48 Senior Vice President Yijun Xia 56 Vice President Haimian Cai 55 Vice President 44Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. BIOGRAPHIES OF DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Directors Hanlin Chen has served as the chairman of the board of directors and an executive officer since March 2003. Since January 2013, Mr. Chen has been astanding committee member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and vice president of Foreign Investors Association of HubeiProvince. From 1993 to 1997, Mr. Chen was the general manager of Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co., Ltd. Since 1997, he has been the chairman ofthe Board of Henglong Automotive Parts, Ltd. Mr. Hanlin Chen is the brother-in-law of the Company’s senior vice president, Mr. Andy Tse. Qizhou Wu has served as a director since March 2003 and as the chief executive officer of the Company since September 2007. He served as chief operatingofficer from 2003 to 2007. He was the executive general manager of Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co., Ltd. from 1993 to 1999 and the generalmanager of Henglong Automotive Parts Co., Ltd. from 1999 to 2002. Mr. Wu graduated from Tsinghua University in Beijing with a Master’s degree inautomobile engineering. Arthur Wong has been an independent director of the Company since May 2012 and is the chairman of the audit committee and a member of thecompensation and nominating committees of the Board of Directors. Mr. Wong became an independent director of Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ)effective March 2019. Mr. Wong is currently an independent director and chairman of the audit committee of Daqo New Energy Corp. (NYSE: DQ) and ChinaMaple Leaf Educational Systems Limited (HKSE: 1317). Mr. Wong was formerly the chief financial officer of GreenTree Inns Hotel Management Group,Nobao Renewable Energy, and Asia New-Energy. Prior to that, he worked at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu from 1982 to 2008, in that firm’s San Jose, HongKong and Beijing offices, and most recently as a partner in the Beijing office. Mr. Wong received a Bachelor of Science in Applied Economics degree fromthe University of San Francisco and was awarded a Higher Diploma of Accountancy from Hong Kong Polytechnic. His professional affiliations include beinga member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Chartered Associationof Certified Accountants. Robert Tung has been an independent director of the Company since September 2003. He is a member of the audit and nominating committees, and thechairman of the compensation committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Tung has been consulting in the crude oil and refined oil products business,including fuel oil, diesel and jet fuels and trading in the energy sector in the past fifteen years. Mr. Tung was granted the Grand China sales representativeposition from TRI Products, Inc., a well-known North American scrap metals, scrap plastics, and spent battery supplier. Mr. Tung is currently developing the"green" produce distribution channels for the Taiwanese markets and working on in incorporating Artificial Intelligence technologies into language learningproducts. Guangxun Xu has served as an independent director of the Company since December 2009. He is a member of the audit and compensation committees, andthe chairman of the nominating committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Xu has been the Chief Representative of NASDAQ in China and a managing directorof the NASDAQ Stock Market International, Asia for over 10 years. With a professional career in the finance field spanning over 25 years, Mr. Xu’s practicefocuses on providing package services on U.S. and U.K. listings, advising on and arranging for private placements, PIPEs, IPOs, pre-IPO restructuring, M&A,corporate and project finance, corporate governance, post-IPOIR compliance, and risk control. 45Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Executive Officers Jie Li has served as the chief financial officer since September 2007. Prior to that position he served as the corporate secretary from December 2004. Prior tojoining the Company in September 2003, Mr. Li was the assistant president of Jingzhou Jiulong Industrial Inc. from 1999 to 2003 and the general manager ofJingzhou Tianxin Investment Management Co. Ltd. from 2002 to 2003. Mr. Li has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Science and Technology ofChina. He also completed his graduate studies in economics and business management at the Hubei Administration Institute. Andy Tse has served as a senior vice president of the Company since March 2003. He has also served as chairman of the board of Shenyang. He was the viceGM of Jiulong from 1993 to 1997 and the vice GM of Henglong. Mr. Tse has over 10 years of experience in automotive parts sales and strategicdevelopment. Mr. Tse has an MBA from the China People University. He is brother in-law to Hanlin Chen. Yijun Xia has served as a vice president of the Company since December 2009. He also served as the general manager of Henglong from April 2005 toDecember 2011. Prior to that position he served as the Vice-G.M. of Henglong from December 2002. Mr. Xia graduated from Wuhan University of WaterTransportation Engineering with a bachelor degree in Metal Material and Heat Treatment. Haimian Cai was an independent director of the Company from September 2003 to December 2009, and also a member of the Company’s Audit,Compensation and Nominating Committees. Dr. Cai is a technical specialist in the automotive industry. Prior to that, Dr. Cai was a staff engineer in ITTAutomotive Inc. Dr. Cai has written more than fifteen technical papers and co-authored a technical book regarding the Powder Metallurgy industry forautomotive application. Dr. Cai has more than ten patents including pending patents. Dr. Cai holds a B.S. Degree in Automotive Engineering from TsinghuaUniversity and a M.S. and Ph. D. in manufacturing engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Since December 2009, Mr. Cai has not served asindependent director and a member of the Company’s Audit Committee, Compensation and Nominating Committees, because he was nominated as vicepresident of the Company. BOARD COMPOSITION AND COMMITTEES Audit Committee and Independent Directors The Company has a standing Audit Committee of the Board of Directors established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act, asamended. The Audit Committee is operated under a written charter. The Audit Committee consists of the following individuals, all of whom the Companyconsiders to be independent, as defined under the SEC’s rules and regulations and the Nasdaq’s definition of independence: Mr. Robert Tung, Mr. GuangxunXu and Mr. Arthur Wong. Mr. Arthur Wong is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that Mr. Arthur Wong is the audit committeefinancial expert, as defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K, serving on the Company’s Audit Committee. Compensation Committee The Company has a standing Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee is responsible for determiningcompensation for the Company’s executive officers. Three of the Company’s independent directors, as defined under the SEC’s rules and regulations and theNasdaq’s definition of independence, Mr. Robert Tung, Mr. Guangxun Xu and Mr. Arthur Wong serve on the Compensation Committee. Since July 8, 2010,Mr. Robert Tung has been the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Board has determined that all members of the Compensation Committee areindependent directors under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, as applicable. The Compensation Committee administers the Company’s benefit plans,reviews and administers all compensation arrangements for executive officers, and establishes and reviews general policies relating to the compensation andbenefits of the Company’s officers and employees. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter that is made available on the Company’swebsite, www.caasauto.com. 46Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Company’s Compensation Committee is empowered to review and approve the annual compensation and compensation procedures for the executiveofficers of the Company. The primary goals of the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors with respect to executive compensation areto attract and retain the most talented and dedicated executives possible and to align executives’ incentives with stockholder value creation. TheCompensation Committee evaluates individual executive performance with a goal of setting compensation at levels the committee believes are comparablewith executives in other companies of similar size and stage of development operating in similar industry while taking into account the Company’s relativeperformance and its strategic goals. The Company has not retained a compensation consultant to review its policies and procedures with respect to executive compensation. The Companyconducts an annual review of the aggregate level of its executive compensation, as well as the mix of elements used to compensate its executive officers. TheCompany compares compensation levels with amounts currently being paid to executives in its industry and most importantly with local practices in China.The Company is satisfied that its compensation levels are competitive with local conditions. Nominating Committee The Company has a standing Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors. Director candidates are nominated by the Nominating Committee. TheNominating Committee will consider candidates based upon their business and financial experience, personal characteristics, and expertise that arecomplementary to the background and experience of other Board members, willingness to devote the required amount of time to carry out the duties andresponsibilities of Board membership, willingness to objectively appraise management performance, and any such other qualifications the NominatingCommittee deems necessary to ascertain the candidates’ ability to serve on the Board. The Nominating Committee will not consider nomineerecommendations from security holders, other than the recommendations received from a security holder or group of security holders that beneficially ownedmore than five (5) percent of the Company’s outstanding common stock for at least one year as of the date the recommendation is made. Three of theCompany’s independent directors, as defined under the SEC’s rules and regulations and the Nasdaq’s definition of independence, Mr. Robert Tung, Mr.Guangxun Xu and Mr. Arthur Wong, serve on the Nominating Committee. Since December 17, 2009, Mr. Guangxun Xu has been the Chairman of theNominating Committee. Stockholder Communications Stockholders interested in communicating directly with the Board of Directors, or individual directors, may email the Company’s independent director Mr.Arthur Wong at arthurltwong@yahoo.com. Mr. Wong will review all such correspondence and will regularly forward to the board of directors of theCompany copies of all such correspondence that deals with the functions of the Board or committees thereof or that he otherwise determines requires theirattention. Directors may at any time review all of the correspondence received that is addressed to members of the board of directors of the Company andrequest copies of such correspondence. Concerns relating to accounting, internal controls or auditing matters will immediately be brought to the attention ofthe Audit Committee and handled in accordance with procedures established by the Audit Committee with respect to such matters. 47Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Family Relationships Mr. Hanlin Chen and Mr. Andy Tse are brothers-in-law. Code of Ethics and Conduct The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics and Conduct which is applicable to all officers, directors and employees. The Code of Ethics andConduct was filed as an exhibit to the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission onMarch 25, 2010. Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Compliance Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the Company’s executive officers and directors and persons who own more than10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial statements of beneficial ownership,reports of changes in ownership and annual reports concerning their ownership of common stock and other of the Company’s equity securities, on Forms 3, 4and 5 respectively. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by Commission regulations to furnish the Company withcopies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. To the best of the Company’s knowledge, based solely upon a review of the Form 3, 4 and 5 filed, no officer,director or 10% beneficial shareholder failed to file on a timely basis any reports required by Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, asamended. ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS In 2003, the Board of Directors established a Compensation Committee consisting only of independent Board members, which is responsible for setting theCompany’s policies regarding compensation and benefits and administering the Company’s benefit plans. At the end of fiscal year 2018, the CompensationCommittee consisted of Mr. Robert Tung, Mr. Guangxun Xu and Mr. Arthur Wong. The members of the Compensation Committee approved the amount andform of compensation paid to executive officers of the Company and set the Company’s compensation policies and procedures during these periods. The primary goals of the Company’s compensation committee with respect to executive compensation are to attract and retain highly talented and dedicatedexecutives and to align executives’ incentives with stockholder value creation. The Compensation Committee will conduct an annual review of the aggregate level of the Company’s executive compensation, as well as the mix ofelements used to compensate the Company’s executive officers. The Company compares compensation levels with amounts currently being paid toexecutives at similar companies in the same area and the same industry. Most importantly, the Company compares compensation levels with local practicesin China. The Company believes that its compensation levels are competitive with local conditions. 48Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Elements of Compensation The Company’s executive compensation consists of the following elements: Base Salary Base salaries for the Company’s executives are established to be amounts of compensation that are similar to those paid by other companies to executives insimilar positions and with similar responsibilities. Base salaries are adjusted from time to time to realign salaries with market levels after taking into accountindividual responsibilities, performance and experience. The Compensation Committee established a salary structure to determine base salaries and isresponsible for initially setting executive officer compensation in employment arrangements with each individual. The base salary amounts are intended toreflect the Company’s philosophy that the base salary should attract experienced individuals who will contribute to the success of the Company’s businessgoals and represent cash compensation that is commensurate with the compensation of individuals at similarly situated companies. The Company’s Board of Directors and Compensation Committee have approved the current salaries for executives: RMB 2.5 million (equivalent toapproximately $ 0.38 million) for the Chairman, RMB 1.6 million (equivalent to approximately $ 0.25 million) for the CEO, and RMB 1.0 million(equivalent to approximately $ 0.15 million) individually for other officers in 2018. Performance Bonus a.Grantees: Mr. Hanlin Chen, Mr. Qizhou Wu, Mr. Andy Tse, Mr. Jie Li, and Mr. Yijun Xia.b.Conditions: based on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, (i) the year over year growth rate of sales for 2018 must be 5% orhigher; or (ii) the year over year growth rate of sales for 2018 must be 10% or higher;c.Bonus: If condition (i) is satisfied, 25% of each officer’s annual salary in 2018. If condition (ii) is satisfied, 50% of each officer’s annual salaryin 2018. The Company did not award any performance bonus for each Named Executive Officer in 2018 as the Company did not reach the above conditions. Stock Option Awards The stock options plan proposed by management, which aims to incentivize and retain core employees, to meet employees’ benefits, the Company’s longterm operating goals and stockholder benefits, was approved at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 28, 2005, and extended for ten years at theAnnual Meeting of Stockholders held on September 16, 2014. The maximum common shares available for issuance under the plan is 2,200,000. The term ofthe plan was extended to June 27, 2025. There were no stock options granted to management in 2018. Other Compensation Other than the base salary for the Company’s Named Executive Officers, the performance bonus and the stock option awards referred to above, the Companydoes not have any other benefits and perquisites for its Named Executive Officers. However, the Compensation Committee in its discretion may providebenefits and perquisites to these executive officers if it deems advisable to do so. 49Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Compensation Tables Executive Officers The compensation that Named Executive Officers received for their services for fiscal years ended 2018 and 2017 were as follows (figures are in thousands ofUSD): Name and principal position Year Salary (1) Bonus (2) Option Awards (3) Total Hanlin Chen (Chairman) 2018 $246 $- $- $246 2017 $246 $62 $- $308 Qizhou Wu (CEO) 2018 $164 $- $- $164 2017 $164 $41 $- $205 Jie Li (CFO) 2018 $98 $- $- $98 2017 $98 $25 $- $123 Haimian Cai (Vice President) 2018 $150 $- $- $150 2017 $150 $- $- $150 (1)Salary – Please refer to Base Salary disclosed under “Elements of compensation” section above for further details. (2)Bonus – Please refer to Performance Bonus disclosed under “Elements of compensation” section above for further details. (3)Option Awards – Please refer to Stock Option Awards disclosed under “Elements of compensation” section above for further details. Compensation for Directors Based on the number of the board of directors’ service years, workload and performance, the Company decides on their pay. The management believes thatthe pay for the members of the Board of Directors was appropriate as of December 31, 2018. The compensation that directors received for serving on theBoard of Directors for fiscal year 2018 was as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Name Fees earned or paid in cash Option awards (1) Total Robert Tung $65 $8 $73 Guangxun Xu $59 $8 $67 Arthur Wong $65 $8 $73 (1)Other than the cash payment based on the number of a director’s service years, workload and performance, the Company grants 7,500 option awardsto each director every year. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, the cost of the above mentioned stock options issued to directors was measured onthe grant date based on their fair value. The fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and certain assumptions. The cost of the above-mentioned compensation paid to directors was measured based on investment, operating, technology, and consulting services theyprovided. All other directors did not receive compensation for their service on the Board of Directors. 50Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. In addition, in the year ended December 31, 2018, in connection with the evaluation of the privatization proposal, each of Mr. Arthur Wong, Mr. GuangxunXu and Mr. Robert Tung was paid a supplemental director fee of approximately $9,333 per month over a period of ten months from May 2017 to February2018. The aggregate amount of such supplemental director fees paid during the year ended December 31, 2018 was $55,998. In connection with theappointment of the Special Committee of independent directors to evaluate the privatization proposal, the Company’s management studied the fees payableto members of the special committee in over 25 privatization bids. Based on that information, the Company’s management determined that the aggregate feespaid by companies to members of a special committee in connection with a going-private transaction ranged from $75,000 to $440,000, with an average of$244,176 and a median of $220,000. For the more recent transactions, the aggregate fees ranged from $200,000 to $650,000, with an average of $487,000.Considering the size and complexity of the Company, the Company’s management determined to cap the fees payable to the Special Committee at $280,000,even if the privatization transaction were to take more than ten months to complete. ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS. As used in this section, the term beneficial ownership with respect to a security is defined by Rule 13d-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, asamended, as consisting of sole or shared voting power, including the power to vote or direct the vote, and/or sole or shared investment power, including thepower to dispose of or direct the disposition of, with respect to the security through any contract, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise,subject to community property laws where applicable. The percentage ownership is based on 31,626,604 shares of common stock outstanding at December31, 2018 (exclusive of 711,698 shares of treasury stock). Name/Title Total Number of Shares Percentage Ownership Hanlin Chen, Chairman (1) 17,849,014 56.44%Li Ping Xie(1) 17,849,014 56.44%Wiselink Holdings Limited, “Wiselink” (1) 17,849,014 56.44%Qizhou Wu, CEO and Director 1,325,136 4.19%Robert Tung, Director 7,500 0.02%Arthur Wong, Director 3,000 0.01%Haimian Cai, Director - -%Jie Li, CFO(2) 124,997 0.40%Tse Andy, Sr. VP 400,204 1.26%Yijun Xia, VP 17,200 0.05% All Directors and Executive Officers (8 persons) 19,727,051 62.37% (1)These 17,849,014 shares of common stock include: (i) 13,322,547 shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Hanlin Chen; (ii) 1,502,925 sharesof common stock beneficially owned by Ms. Liping Xie, Mr. Hanlin Chen’s wife; and (iii) 3,023,542 shares of common stock beneficially owned byWiselink, a company controlled by Mr. Hanlin Chen. (2)Includes 50,000 shares held as nominee for Jingzhou Jiulong Machinery and Electronic Manufacturing Co., Ltd. On October 13, 2014, the Companyissued 4,078,000 of its common shares in a private placement to nominee holders of Jingzhou Jiulong Machinery and Electronic Manufacturing Co.,Ltd. for the acquisition of the 19.0% and 20.0% equity interest in Jiulong and Henglong held by Jingzhou Jiulong Machinery and ElectronicManufacturing Co., Ltd., respectively. All of the nominee holders of Jingzhou Jiulong Machinery and Electronic Manufacturing Co., Ltd. are unrelatedparties except for Mr. Jie Li (CFO). 51Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE. For the information required by Item 13 please refer to Note 2 (Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies–Certain Relationships and RelatedTransactions) and Note 30 (Related Party Transactions) to the consolidated financial statements in this Report. The Company’s Audit Committee’s charter provides that one of its responsibilities is to review and approve related party transactions defined as thosetransactions required to be disclosed under Item 404 of Regulation S-K of the rules and regulations under the Exchange Act. The Company has a formalwritten set of policies and procedures for the review, approval or ratification of related party transactions. Where a related party transaction is identified, theAudit Committee reviews and, where appropriate, approves the transaction based on whether it believes that the transaction is at arm’s length and containsterms that are no less favorable than what the Company could have obtained from an unaffiliated third party. ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES. The following table sets forth the aggregate fees for professional audit services rendered by PricewaterhouseCoopers for the audit of the Company’s annualfinancial statements and other services provided in the fiscal years 2018 and 2017. The Audit Committee has approved all of the following fees (figures are inthousands of USD): Fiscal Year Ended 2018 2017 Audit Fees $674 $708 Other Fees 104 80 Total Fees $778 $788 AUDIT COMMITTEE’S PRE-APPROVAL POLICY During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors adopted policies and procedures for the pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services to be provided by the Company’s independent auditor and for the prohibition of certain services from beingprovided by the independent auditor. The Company may not engage the Company’s independent auditor to render any audit or non-audit service unless theservice is approved in advance by the Audit Committee or the engagement to render the service is entered into pursuant to the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures. On an annual basis, the Audit Committee may pre-approve services that are expected to be provided to the Company bythe independent auditor during the fiscal year. At the time such pre-approval is granted, the Audit Committee specifies the pre-approved services andestablishes a monetary limit with respect to each particular pre-approved service, which limit may not be exceeded without obtaining further pre-approvalunder the policy. For any pre-approval, the Audit Committee considers whether such services are consistent with the rules of the Securities and ExchangeCommission on auditor independence. 52Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. PART IV ITEM 15.EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES. (a)(1) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1.Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers ZhongTian LLP 2.Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 3.Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 4.Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 5.Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 6.Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 7.Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (b) EXHIBITS The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Where so indicated by footnote, exhibits that were previously filed areincorporated by reference. 53Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Exhibit Number Description 3.1(i) Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from the filing on Form 10KSB File No. 000-33123) 3.1(ii) Bylaws (incorporated by reference from the Form 10KSB for the year ended December 31, 2002) 10.5 Joint-venture Agreement, dated March 31, 2006, as amended on May 2, 2006, between Great Genesis Holdings Limited and Wuhu CheryTechnology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report on May 10, 2006) 10.20 Translation of the Equity Transfer Agreement dated March 31, 2008 in English (incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 of theCompany’s Form 8-K filed on April 2, 2008) 10.21 English Translation of the Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Venture Contract dated January 24, 2010 between Great Genesis Holdings Limitedand Beijing Hainachuan Auto Parts Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2010 filed on March 25, 2010) 21 Schedule of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements of the Company in this AnnualReport on Form 10-K) 23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers ZhongTian LLP* 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification* 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification* 32.1 Section 1350 Certification* 32.2 Section 1350 Certification* 101* The following materials from the China Automotive Systems, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,filed on March 28, 2019, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i)Consolidated Balance Sheets;(ii)Consolidated Statements of Income;(iii)Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income;(iv)Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity;(v)Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and(vi)Related notes. *Filed herewith. ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY Not Applicable. 54Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. SIGNATURES In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company duly caused this Annual Report to be signed on itsbehalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. Dated: March 28, 2019 /s/ Qizhou Wu Name: Qizhou Wu Title: Chief Executive Officer and President 55Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Qizhou Wu his attorney-in-fact andagent, with the power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file thesame, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming allthat said attorneys-in-fact, or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Annual Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Company andin the capacities and on the dates indicated. Dated: March 28, 2019 /s/ Hanlin Chen Name:Hanlin Chen Title:Chairman and Director Dated: March 28, 2019 /s/ Qizhou Wu Name:Qizhou Wu Title:Chief Executive Officer, President and Director (Principal Executive Officer) Dated: March 28, 2019 /s/ Jie Li Name:Jie Li Title:Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) Dated: March 28, 2019 /s/ Robert Tung Name:Robert Tung Title:Director Dated: March 28, 2019 /s/ Guangxun Xu Name:Guangxun Xu Title:Director Dated: March 28, 2019 /s/ Arthur Wong Name:Arthur Wong Title:Director 56Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OFCHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of China Automotive Systems, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31,2018 and 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income or loss, of comprehensive income or loss, of changes in stockholders’ equity and of cashflows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financialstatements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as ofDecember 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2018 inconformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’sconsolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board(United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and theapplicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan andperform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error orfraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits weare required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness ofthe Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud,and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosuresin the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers ZhongTian LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers ZhongTian LLP Shanghai, People’s Republic of China March 28, 2019 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2010. 57Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. China Automotive Systems, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Balance Sheets(In thousands of USD, except share and per share amounts) December 31, 2018 2017 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $86,346 $64,558 Pledged cash 29,623 31,535 Short-term investments 17,543 29,587 Accounts and notes receivable, net - unrelated parties 237,519 274,989 Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties 18,825 19,086 Advance payments and others - unrelated parties 16,270 12,790 Advance payments and others - related parties 1,281 20,841 Inventories 88,021 79,217 Total current assets 495,428 532,603 Non-current assets: Property, plant and equipment, net 129,853 126,033 Intangible assets, net 605 661 Other receivables, net - unrelated parties 1,799 2,188 Advance payment for property, plant and equipment - unrelated parties 6,135 9,657 Advance payment for property, plant and equipment - related parties 8,723 5,264 Long-term investments 32,620 27,596 Deferred tax assets 15,336 13,367 Total assets $690,499 $717,369 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Bank and government loans $60,952 $72,711 Accounts and notes payable - unrelated parties 205,643 233,048 Accounts and notes payable - related parties 4,477 7,168 Customer deposits 750 1,128 Accrued payroll and related costs 7,346 8,577 Accrued expenses and other payables 47,032 40,127 Accrued pension costs 3,282 4,051 Taxes payable 11,137 5,927 Amounts due to shareholders/directors 317 343 Advances payable (current portion) 364 383 Total current liabilities 341,300 373,463 Long-term liabilities: Long-term government loan 291 306 Advances payable 1,654 359 Other long-term payable 8,726 - Deferred tax liabilities 4,198 4,393 Long-term taxes payable 29,503 32,719 Total liabilities 385,672 411,240 Commitments and Contingencies (Note 31) Stockholders’ Equity Common stock, $0.0001 par value - Authorized - 80,000,000 shares Issued - 32,338,302 and 32,338,302 shares atDecember 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively 3 3 Additional paid-in capital 64,429 64,406 Retained earnings- Appropriated 11,104 10,707 Unappropriated 211,439 209,459 Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,855 17,780 Treasury stock - 711,698 and 694,298 shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively (2,953) (2,907)Total parent company stockholders’ equity 285,877 299,448 Non-controlling interests 18,950 6,681 Total stockholders’ equity 304,827 306,129 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $690,499 $717,369 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 58Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. China Automotive Systems, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Income or Loss(In thousands of USD, except share and per share amounts) Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Net product sales ($37,606 and $37,583 sold to related parties for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017) $496,158 $499,063 Cost of products sold ($25,558 and $28,994 purchased from related parties for the years ended December 31, 2018and 2017) 430,745 414,429 Gross profit 65,413 84,634 Net gain on other sales 3,940 7,635 Operating expenses: Selling expenses 18,949 19,912 General and administrative expenses 19,761 19,543 Research and development expenses 33,551 33,544 Total operating expenses 72,261 72,999 Operating (loss)/income (2,908) 19,270 Other income, net 1,173 678 Interest expense (2,928) (1,753)Financial income, net 2,162 2,180 (Loss)/income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies (2,501) 20,375 Less: Income taxes (1,465) 41,633 Add: Equity in earnings of affiliated companies 1,115 2,619 Net income/(loss) 79 (18,639)Net (loss)/income attributable to non-controlling interest (2,298) 707 Net income/(loss) attributable to parent company’s common shareholders 2,377 (19,346) Net income/(loss) attributable to parent company’s common shareholders per share - Basic $0.08 $(0.61) Diluted $0.08 $(0.61) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - Basic 31,643,813 31,644,004 Diluted 31,645,594 31,646,897 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 59Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. China Automotive Systems, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income or Loss(In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated) Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Net income/(loss) $79 $(18,639)Other comprehensive (loss)/income: Foreign currency translation (loss)/income (16,548) 19,384 Comprehensive (loss)/income (16,469) 745 Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to non-controlling interest (2,921) 1,352 Comprehensive loss attributable to parent company $(13,548) $(607) The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 60Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. China Automotive Systems, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity(In thousands of USD, except share and per share amounts) 2018 2017 Common Stock Balance at January 1, 2018 and 2017 - 32,338,302 and 32,338,302 shares, respectively $3 $3 Balance at December 31, 2018 and 2017 - 32,338,302 and 32,338,302 shares, respectively $3 $3 Additional Paid-in Capital Balance at January 1 $64,406 $64,764 Stock-based compensation 23 100 Acquisition of the non-controlling interest in Brazil Henglong - (458)Balance at December 31 $64,429 $64,406 Retained Earnings - Appropriated Balance at January 1 $10,707 $10,549 Appropriation of retained earnings 397 158 Balance at December 31 $11,104 $10,707 Unappropriated Balance at January 1 $209,459 228,963 Net income/(loss) attributable to parent company 2,377 (19,346)Appropriation of retained earnings (397) (158)Balance at December 31 $211,439 $209,459 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) Balance at January 1 $17,780 (892)Other comprehensive income related to the non-controlling interests acquired by the Company - (67)Net foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to parent company (15,925) 18,739 Balance at December 31 $1,855 $17,780 Treasury Stock Balance at January 1, 2018 and 2017 - 694,298 and 694,298 shares, respectively (2,907) (2,907)Repurchase of common stock in 2018 and 2017 - 17,400 shares and nil shares, respectively (46) - Balance at December 31, 2018 and 2017 - 711,698 and 694,298 shares, respectively $(2,953) (2,907) Total parent company stockholders’ equity $285,877 $299,448 Non-controlling Interest Balance at January 1 $6,681 $5,412 Net foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to non-controlling interest (623) 645 Net (loss)/income attributable to non-controlling interest (2,298) 707 Other comprehensive income related to the non-controlling interests acquired by the Company - 67 Acquisition of the non-controlling interest in Brazil Henglong - 458 Contribution by non-controlling shareholder of Henglong KYB 15,728 - Distribution of retained earnings (538) (608)Balance at December 31 $18,950 $6,681 Total stockholders' equity $304,827 $306,129 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 61Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. China Automotive Systems, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows(In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated) Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income/(loss) $79 $(18,639)Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Stock-based compensation 23 100 Depreciation and amortization 16,816 15,358 Deferred income taxes (2,502) 4,143 Inventory write downs 6,239 5,109 Accrual of provision for doubtful accounts 887 887 Equity in net (earnings) of affiliates (1,115) (2,617)Gain on disposal of fixed assets (445) (2,184)(Increase) decrease in: Accounts and notes receivable 27,526 30,908 Advance payments and other (3,790) (529)Inventories (17,853) (12,156)Increase (decrease) in: Accounts and notes payable (22,491) 2,533 Customer deposits (346) 411 Accrued payroll and related costs (964) 1,182 Accrued expenses and other payables 8,893 560 Accrued pension costs (646) (331)Taxes payable 2,215 24,164 Net cash provided by operating activities 12,526 48,899 Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of short-term investments (22,923) (32,145)Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments 34,175 35,780 Increase in other receivables 337 198 Cash received from property, plant and equipment sales 1,022 2,231 Government subsidy received for purchase of property, plant and equipment 1,322 - Cash paid to acquire property, plant and equipment (including $9,207 and $9,791 paid to related parties for theyears ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively) (25,764) (27,096)Cash paid to acquire intangible assets (189) (201)Loan to a related party - (29,044)Cash received from repayment of the loan to a related party 20,430 10,591 Investment under equity method (5,957) (7,629)Net cash used in investing activities 2,453 (47,315) Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from bank and government loans 78,917 72,237 Repayment of bank and government loans (92,215) (43,154)Proceeds from sale and leaseback transaction 11,758 - Payment to broker agents for repurchase of common stock (300) - Repayments of the borrowing for sale and leaseback transaction (3,218) - Dividends paid to the non-controlling interest holders of non-wholly owned subsidiaries (524) (623)(Decrease) in amounts due to shareholders/directors (26) - Cash received from capital contributions by non-controlling interest holder 15,728 - Net cash provided by financing activities 10,120 28,460 Cash and cash equivalents affected by foreign currency (5,223) 4,158 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 19,876 34,202 Cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash at beginning of year 96,093 61,891 Cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash at end of year $115,969 $96,093 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 62Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. China Automotive Systems, Inc. and SubsidiariesConsolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)(In thousands of USD unless otherwise indicated) SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Cash paid for interest $3,803 $654 Cash paid for income taxes $3,717 $4,643 SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES: Non-cash investing activities: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Property, plant and equipment recorded during the year which previously were advance payments $13,347 $19,879 Accounts payable for acquiring property, plant and equipment $1,046 $1,180 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements 63Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. China Automotive Systems, Inc. and SubsidiariesNotes to Consolidated Financial Statements 1.Organization and Business China Automotive Systems, Inc., “China Automotive,” was incorporated in the State of Delaware on June 29, 1999 under the name of Visions-In-Glass, Inc.China Automotive, including, when the context so requires, its subsidiaries, is referred to herein as the “Company.” The Company is primarily engaged in themanufacture and sale of automotive systems and components, as described below. Great Genesis Holdings Limited, a company incorporated on January 3, 2003 under the Companies Ordinance of Hong Kong as a limited liability company,“Genesis,” is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Henglong USA Corporation, “HLUSA,” which was incorporated on January 8, 2007 in Troy, Michigan, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, andmainly engages in marketing of automotive parts in North America, and provides after-sales service and research and development support accordingly. The Company owns interests in the following subsidiaries incorporated in the PRC and Brazil as of December 31, 2018 and 2017. Aggregate Net Interest Name of Entity 2018 2017 Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co., Ltd., “Henglong” 1 100.00% 100.00%Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co., Ltd., “Jiulong” 2 100.00% 100.00%Shenyang Jinbei Henglong Automotive Steering System Co., Ltd., “Shenyang” 3 70.00% 70.00%Universal Sensor Application Inc, “USAI” 4 83.34% 83.34%Wuhu Henglong Auto Steering System Co., Ltd., “Wuhu” 5 77.33% 77.33%Wuhan Jielong Electric Power Steering Co., Ltd., “Jielong” 6 85.00% 85.00%Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co., Ltd., “Hubei Henglong” 7 100.00% 100.00%Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Technology (Testing) Center, “Testing Center” 8 100.00% 100.00%Chongqing Henglong Hongyan Automotive System Co., Ltd., “Chongqing Henglong” 9 70.00% 70.00%CAAS Brazil’s Imports And Trade In Automotive Parts Ltd., “Brazil Henglong” 10 95.84% 95.84%Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd., “Wuhan Chuguanjie” 11 85.00% 85.00%Hubei Henglong Group Shanghai Automotive Electronics Research and Development Ltd, “Shanghai Henglong”12 100.00% 100.00%Jingzhou Qingyan Intelligent Automotive Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., “Jingzhou Qingyan”13 60.00% 60.00%Hubei Henglong & KYB Automobile Electric Steering System Co., Ltd., “Henglong KYB”14 66.60% - 1.Henglong was established in 1997 and mainly engages in the production of rack and pinion power steering gears for cars and light duty vehicles. 2.Jiulong was established in 1993 and mainly engages in the production of integral power steering gears for heavy-duty vehicles 3.Shenyang was established in 2002 and focuses on power steering parts for light duty vehicles. 4.USAI was established in 2005 and mainly engages in the production and sales of sensor modules. 5.Wuhu was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automobile steering systems. 6.Jielong was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automobile steering columns. 64Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. 7.On March 7, 2007, Genesis established Hubei Henglong, formerly known as Jingzhou Hengsheng Automotive System Co., Ltd., its wholly-ownedsubsidiary, to engage in the production and sales of automotive steering systems. On July 8, 2012, Hubei Henglong changed its name to Hubei HenglongAutomotive System Group Co., Ltd. 8.In December 2009, Henglong, a subsidiary of Genesis, formed the Testing Center, which mainly engages in the research and development of newproducts. 9.On February 21, 2012, Hubei Henglong and SAIC-IVECO Hongyan Company, “SAIC-IVECO,” established Chongqing Henglong, to design, developand manufacture both hydraulic and electric power steering systems and parts. 10.On August 21, 2012, Brazil Henglong was established by Hubei Henglong and two Brazilian citizens, Ozias Gaia Da Silva and Ademir Dal’ Evedove.Brazil Henglong engages mainly in the import and sale of automotive parts in Brazil. In May 2017, the Company obtained an additional 15.84% equityinterest in Brazil Henglong for nil consideration. The Company retained its controlling interest in Brazil Henglong and the acquisition of the non-controlling interest was accounted for as an equity transaction. 11.In May 2014, together with Hubei Wanlong, Jielong formed a subsidiary, Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd., “WuhanChuguanjie”, which mainly engages in research and development, manufacture and sales of automobile electronic systems and parts. 12.In January 2015, Hubei Henglong formed Hubei Henglong Group Shanghai Automotive Electronics Research and Development Ltd., “ShanghaiHenglong”, which mainly engages in the design and sale of automotive electronics. 13.In November 2017, Hubei Henglong formed Jingzhou Qingyan Intelligent Automotive Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd., “Jingzhou Qingyan”,which mainly engages in the research and development of intelligent automotive technology. 14.In August 2018, Hubei Henglong and KYB (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (“KYB”) established Hubei Henglong KYB Automobile Electric SteeringSystem Co., Ltd. (“Henglong KYB”), which mainly engages in design, manufacture, sales and after-sales service of automobile electronic systems. HubeiHenglong owns 66.6% of the shares of this entity and has consolidated it since its establishment. 2.Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation - For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and itssubsidiaries, which are described in Note 1. Significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. The consolidatedfinancial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. Shenyang was formed in 2002, with 70% owned and controlled by the Company, and 30% owned by Shenyang Automotive Industry InvestmentCorporation, “JB Investment.” The highest authority of Shenyang is its board of directors, which is comprised of seven directors, four of whom, 57%, areappointed by the Company, and three of whom, 43%, are appointed by JB Investment. As for day-to-day operating matters, approval by more than two-thirdsof the members of such board of directors, 67%, is required. The chairman of the board of directors is appointed by the Company. In March 2003, theCompany and Jinbei entered into an act-in-concert agreement, under which the directors appointed by Jinbei agree to act in concert with the directorsappointed by the Company. As a result, the Company obtained control of Shenyang in March 2003. The general manager of Shenyang is appointed by theCompany. USAI was formed in 2005. At December 31, 2018, 83.34% of USAI was owned by the Company, and 16.66% of USAI was owned by Hubei WanlongInvestment Inc., “Hubei Wanlong.” The highest authority USAI is its board of directors, which is comprised of three directors, two of whom, 67%, areappointed by the Company, one of whom, 33%, is appointed by Hubei Wanlong. As for day-to-day operating matters, approval by at least two-thirds of themembers of such board of directors is required. The chairman of such board of directors is appointed by the Company. The general manager of USAI isappointed by the Company. 65Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Jielong was formed in April 2006. As at December 31, 2018, 85% of Jielong was owned by the Company, and 15% of Jielong was owned by Hubei Wanlong.The highest authority of Jielong is its board of directors, which is comprised of three directors, two of whom, 67%, are appointed by the Company, and one ofwhom, 33%, is appointed by Hubei Wanlong. As for day-to-day operating matters, approval by at least two-thirds of the members of such board of directors isrequired. Both the chairman of such board of directors and the general manager of Jielong are appointed by the Company. Wuhu was formed in May 2006, with 77.33% owned by the Company, and 22.67% owned by Wuhu Chery Technology Co., Ltd., “Chery Technology.” Thehighest authority of Wuhu is its board of directors, which is comprised of five directors, three of whom, 60%, are appointed by the Company, and two ofwhom, 40%, are appointed by Chery Technology. As for day-to-day operating matters, approval by at least two-thirds of the members of such board ofdirectors is required. The directors of the Company and Chery Technology executed an “Act in Concert” agreement, resulting in the Company having votingcontrol in Wuhu. The chairman of such board of directors is appointed by the Company. The general manager of Wuhu is appointed by the Company. Chongqing Henglong was formed in 2012, with 70% owned by the Company and 30% owned by SAIC-IVECO. The highest authority of the ChongqingHenglong is its board of directors, which is comprised of five directors, three of whom, 60%, are appointed by the Company, and two of whom, 40%, areappointed by SAIC-IVECO. As for day-to-day operating matters, approval by at least two-thirds of the members of such board of directors is required. InFebruary 2012, the Company and SAIC-IVECO signed an “Act in Concert” agreement. According to the agreement, the directors appointed by SAIC-IVECOagreed to execute the “Act in Concert” agreement with the directors designated by the Company. The chairman of such board of directors and the generalmanager of Chongqing Henglong are both appointed by the Company. Brazil Henglong was formed in 2012, with 80% owned by the Company and 20% owned by Mr. Ozias Gaia Da Silva and Mr. Ademir Dal’ Evedove. In May2017, the Company obtained an additional 15.84% equity interest in Brazil Henglong for nil consideration. The Company retained its controlling interest inBrazil Henglong and the acquisition of the non-controlling interest was accounted for as an equity transaction. After the acquisition, the Company owns95.84% of Brazil Henglong’s shares. The highest authority of Brazil Henglong is its board of directors. In making operational decision, approval by votingrights representing at least 3/4 of the capital, 75%, is required and 95.84% of voting rights were owned by the Company. The chairman of such board ofdirectors is appointed by the Company. The general manager is Mr. Ozias Gaia Da Silva. In 2014, Jielong formed a subsidiary, Wuhan Chuguanjie, with 85% owned by the Company and 15% owned by Hubei Wanlong. The highest authority ofWuhan Chuguanjie is its board of directors, which is comprised of three directors, two of whom, 67%, are appointed by the Company, and one of whom, 33%,is appointed by Hubei Wanlong. As for day-to-day operating matters, approval by at least two-thirds of the members of such board of directors is required.Both of the chairman of such board of directors and the general manager of Chuguanjie are appointed by the Company. In November 2017, Hubei Henglong and other two parties established Jingzhou Qingyan. Hubei Honglong owns 60% of the shares of Jingzhou Qingyan andthe remaining shares were owned by the other two parties. The highest authority of Jingzhou Qingyan is its board of directors, which is comprised of fivedirectors, three of whom are appointed by the Company, and two of whom were appointed by the other two parties. As for day-to-day operating matters,approval by at least three-fifths of the members of such board of directors is required. Both of the chairman of the board of directors and the general managerare appointed by the Company. 66Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. In August 2018, Hubei Henglong and KYB established Henglong KYB. Hubei Honglong owns 66.6% of the shares of Henglong KYB and the remainingshares are owned by KYB. The highest authority of Henglong KYB is its board of directors, which is comprised of five directors, three of whom are appointedby the Company, and two of whom are appointed by KYB. As for day-to-day operating matters, approval by at least three-fifths of the members of such boardof directors is required. The chairman of such board of directors is appointed by the Company and the general manager is appointed by KYB. Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Statesrequires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets andliabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The Company is of theopinion that the significant estimates related to valuation of long term assets and investment, the realizable value of accounts receivable and inventories, theaccrual of warranty obligations and the recoverability of deferred tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents include all highly-liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date ofpurchase. Pledged Cash - Pledged as guarantee for the Company's notes payable and restricted to use. The Company regularly pays some of its suppliers by bank notes.The Company has to deposit a cash deposit, equivalent to 40%-100% of the face value of the relevant bank note, in order to obtain the bank note. Short-term Investments - Short-term investments are comprised of time deposits with terms of three months or more which are due within one year and wealthmanagement financial products with maturities within one year. The carrying values of time deposits approximate fair value because of their short maturities.The interest earned is recognized in the consolidated statements of income over the contractual term of the deposits. The wealth management financialproducts are measured at fair value and classified as Level 3 within the fair value measurement hierarchy. Changes in the fair value are reflected in otherincome in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - In order to determine the value of the Company’s accounts receivable, the Company records a provision for doubtfulaccounts to cover estimated credit losses. Management reviews and adjusts this allowance periodically based on historical experience and its evaluation ofthe collectability of outstanding accounts receivable. The Company evaluates the credit risk of its customers utilizing historical data and estimates of futureperformance. Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is calculated on the moving-average basis and includes all costs toacquire and other costs to bring the inventories to their present location and condition. The Company evaluates the net realizable value of its inventories ona regular basis and records a provision for loss to reduce the computed moving-average cost if it exceeds the net realizable value. Advance Payments - These amounts represent advances to acquire various assets to be utilized in the future in the Company’s normal business operations,such as machine equipment, raw materials and technology. Such amounts are paid according to their respective contract terms. Advance payment formachinery and equipment is classified as advance payment for property, plant and equipment in the consolidated balance sheet and advance payment of rawmaterials and technology are classified as advance payments and others in the consolidated balance sheet. 67Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Major renewals and improvements are capitalized; minor replacements andmaintenance and repairs are charged to operations. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respectiveassets as follows: Category Estimated Useful Life (Years)Land use rights and buildings: Land use rights 45 -50Buildings 25Machinery and equipment 6Electronic equipment 4Motor vehicles 8 Assets under Construction - represent buildings under construction and plant and equipment pending installation— are stated at cost. Cost includesconstruction and acquisitions, and interest charges arising from borrowings used to finance assets during the period of construction or installation andtesting. No provision for depreciation is made on assets under construction until such time as the relevant assets are completed and ready for their intendedcommercial use. Gains or losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment are determined as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount ofthe relevant asset, and are recognized in the consolidated statements of income on the date of disposal. Interest Costs Capitalized - Interest costs incurred in connection with borrowings for the acquisition, construction or installation of property, plant andequipment are capitalized and depreciated as part of the asset’s total cost when the respective asset is placed into service. Interest costs capitalized for theyears ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, were $0.7 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Intangible Assets - Intangible assets, representing patents and technical know-how acquired, are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and impairmentlosses. Amortization is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of 5 to 15 years. Long-Lived Assets - The Company has adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 360, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.”Property, plant and equipment and definite life intangible assets are reviewed periodically for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstancesindicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be fully recoverable. If required, an impairment loss is recognized as the difference between the carryingvalue and the fair value of the assets. In assessing long-lived assets for impairment, management considered the Company’s product line portfolio, customers and related commercial agreements,labor agreements and other factors in grouping assets and liabilities at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent. TheCompany considers projected future undiscounted cash flows, trends and other factors in its assessment of whether impairment conditions exist. Whilst theCompany believes that its estimates of future cash flows are reasonable, different assumptions regarding such factors as future automotive productionvolumes, customer pricing, economics and productivity and cost saving initiatives, could significantly affect its estimates. In determining fair value of long-lived assets, management uses appraisals, management estimates or discounted cash flow calculations. 68Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Long-term Investments – The Company’s long-term investments include investments in corporations and investments in limited partnerships. Investments incorporations which the Company has the ability to exert significant influence are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in limited partnershipswhich the Company has more than virtually no influence are accounted for using the equity method. The Company continually reviews its investment to determine whether a decline in fair value below the carrying value is other than temporary. The primaryfactors the Company considers in its determination are the length of time that the fair value of the investment is below the Company’s carrying value and thefinancial condition, operating performance and near term prospects of the investee. In addition, the Company considers the reason for the decline in fairvalue, including general market conditions, industry-specific or investee-specific reasons, changes in valuation subsequent to the balance sheet date and theCompany’s intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in fair value. If the decline in fair value is deemedto be other than temporary, the carrying value of the security is written down to fair value. There were no impairment losses for its long-term investment in theyears ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. Business Combinations – A business combination is recorded using the purchase method of accounting, and the cost of an acquisition is measured as theaggregate of the fair values at the date of exchange of the assets given, liabilities incurred and equity instruments issued as well as the contingentconsiderations and all contractual contingencies as of the acquisition date. The costs directly attributable to the acquisition are expensed as incurred.Identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities acquired or assumed are measured separately at their fair value as of the acquisition date, irrespectiveof the extent of any non-controlling interests. The excess of (i) the total of consideration of acquisition, fair value of the non-controlling interests andacquisition date fair value of any previously held equity interest in the subsidiary acquired over (ii) the fair value of the identifiable net assets of thesubsidiary acquired is recorded as goodwill. If the consideration of acquisition is less than the fair value of the net assets of the subsidiary acquired, thedifference is recognized directly in the consolidated statements of income. Revenue Recognition - On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC Topic 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”, and all related amendments,using the modified retrospective method applied to those contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginningafter January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with theCompany’s historical accounting practices under ASC Topic 605 “Revenue Recognition”. Management has determined that the impact of the transition to the new standard is immaterial to the Company’s revenue recognition model since the vastmajority of the Company’s revenue recognition is based on point in time transfer of control. Accordingly, the Company has not made any adjustment toopening retained earnings. Products sales to customers are made pursuant to master agreements entered into between the Company and its customers that provide for transfer of both titleand risk of loss upon the Company’s delivery to the location specified in the contracts. The Company’s sales arrangements generally do not contain variableconsiderations and are short-term in nature. A period of credit term is granted to the customers after the delivery and before making payment. The Companyrecognizes revenue at a point in time based on management’s evaluation of when the customer obtains control of the products. Revenue is recognized whenall performance obligations under the terms of a contract with the customer are satisfied and control of the product has been transferred to the customer. Salesof goods do not include multiple product and/or service elements. 69Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration management expects the Company to receive in exchange for transferring goods pursuant to thecontracts. Value-added tax that the Company collects concurrent with revenue-producing activities is excluded from revenue. Incidental contract costs thatare not material in the context of the delivery of goods and services are recognized as expense. At the time revenue is recognized, allowances are recorded, with the related reduction to revenue, for estimated price discounts based upon historicalexperience and related terms of customer arrangements. Where the Company has offered product warranties, the Company also establishes liabilities forestimated warranty costs based upon historical experience and specific warranty provisions. Warranty liabilities are adjusted when experience indicates theexpected outcome will differ from initial estimates of the liability. The Company treats shipping and handling fees as a fulfillment cost since control of the products is usually transferred to the customer after the delivery. Revenue Disaggregation Management has concluded that the disaggregation level is the same under both the revenue standard and the segment reporting standard. Revenue under thesegment reporting standard is measured on the same basis as under the revenue standard, so management did not repeat the disaggregation of revenue underboth standards. Contract Assets and Liabilities Contract assets, such as costs to obtain or fulfill contracts, are an insignificant component of the Company’s revenue recognition process. The majority of theCompany’s cost of fulfillment as a manufacturer of products is classified as inventory, fixed assets and intangible assets, which are accounted for under therespective guidance for those asset types. Other costs of contract fulfillment are immaterial due to the nature of the Company’s products and their respectivemanufacturing processes. Contract liabilities are mainly customer deposits. Customer Deposits As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company has customer deposits of $0.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31,2018, $2.5 million was received and $2.8 million (including $1.1 million from the beginning balance of customer deposits) was recognized as net productsales revenue. Customer deposits represent non-refundable cash deposits for customers to secure rights to an amount of products produced by the Companyunder supply agreements. When the products are shipped to customers, the Company will recognize revenue and bill the customers to reduce the amount ofthe customer deposit liability. Practical Expedient and Exemptions The Company does not disclose the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts with an original expected length of one year or less. 70Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Company does not adjust the promised amount of consideration for the effects of a significant financing component since the Company expects, atcontract inception, that the period between when the Company transfers promised goods to the customers and when the customers pay for the goods will bewithin one year. Government Subsidies - The Company’s PRC based subsidiaries received government subsidies according to related policy from local government. TheCompany’s government subsidies consisted of specific subsidies and other subsidies. Specific subsidies are the subsidies that the Chinese government hasspecified its purpose for, such as product development and renewal of production facilities. Other subsidies are the subsidies that the Chinese government hasnot specified its purpose for and are not tied to future trends or performance of the Company; receipt of such subsidy income is not contingent upon anyfurther actions or performance of the Company and the amounts do not have to be refunded under any circumstances. The Company recorded specificpurpose subsidies as advances payable when received. For specific purpose subsidies, upon government acceptance of the related project development orasset acquisition, the specific purpose subsidies are recognized to reduce related R&D expenses or cost of asset acquisition. The unspecific purpose subsidiesare recognized as other income upon receipt as further performance by the Company is not required. Sales Taxes - The Company is subject to value added tax, “VAT.” The applicable VAT tax rate is 16% for products sold in the PRC. Products exportedoverseas are exempted from VAT. The amount of VAT liability is determined by applying the applicable tax rate to the invoiced amount of goods sold lessVAT paid on purchases made with the relevant supporting invoices. VAT is collected from customers by the Company on behalf of the PRC tax authoritiesand is therefore not charged to the consolidated statements of income. Uncertain Tax Positions - In order to assess uncertain tax positions, the Company applies a more likely than not threshold and a two-step approach for taxposition measurement and financial statement recognition. For the two-step approach, the first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition bydetermining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained, including resolution of relatedappeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely to be realized uponsettlement. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company has no uncertain tax positions. Product Warranties - The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties when the products are sold. Such estimates of product warrantieswere based on, among other things, historical experience, product changes, material expenses, service and transportation expenses arising from themanufactured product. Estimates will be adjusted on the basis of actual claims and circumstances. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the warranties activities were as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Balance at the beginning of year $29,033 $26,225 Additions during the year 24,102 23,354 Settlement within the year (20,599) (22,034)Foreign currency translation (1,451) 1,488 Balance at end of year $31,085 $29,033 71Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Pension - Most of the operations and employees of the Company are located in China. The Company records pension costs and various employment benefitsin accordance with the relevant Chinese social security laws, which is approximately at a total of 30% of base salary as required by local governments. Basesalary levels are the average salary determined by the local governments. Concentration of Credit Risk - Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to significant concentrations of credit risk consist primarily oftrade accounts receivable. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations with respect to the financial condition of its debtors, but does not requirecollateral. In order to determine the value of the Company’s accounts receivable, the Company records a provision for doubtful accounts to cover probablecredit losses. Management reviews and adjusts this allowance periodically based on historical experience and its evaluation of the collectability ofoutstanding accounts receivable. Interest Rate Risk - As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had bank loans of nil and $20.6 million, respectively, which were charged at floatinginterest rates. The remaining bank loans were charged at fixed interest rates. Management is monitoring the change of floating interest rates. The Companyplans to repay the bank loans with floating interest rates when the floating interest rates exceed fixed interest rates, because such bank loans are short-termand the Company has sufficient credit lines with fixed interest rates. Income Taxes - The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method whereby deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences oftemporary differences by applying statutory tax rates applicable to future years to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the taxbases of certain assets and liabilities, changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities, if any, include the impact of any tax rate changes enacted during the year.ASC Topic 350, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it isconsidered more likely than not that some portion or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in future periods. Additionally, the Companyaccounts for uncertainty in income taxes using a two-step approach to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the taxposition for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained onaudit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is morethan 50% likely of being realized upon settlement. The Company classifies the liability for unrecognized tax benefits as current to the extent that theCompany anticipates payment (or receipt) of cash within one year. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are recognized in the provision forincome taxes. If the amount of the Company’s taxable income or income tax liability is a determinant of the amount of a grant, the grant is treated as a reduction of theincome tax provision in the year the grant is realized. Research and Development Costs - Research and development costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising, Shipping and Handling Costs – Advertising, shipping and handling costs are expensed as incurred and recorded in selling expenses. Shippingand handling costs relating to sales of $6.5 million and $7.4 million were included in selling expenses for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017,respectively. 72Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Income Per Share - Basic income per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to ordinary shareholders by the weighted average number ofordinary shares outstanding during the period using the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net income is allocated between ordinary shares andother participating securities, including convertible note holders, if any, based on their participating rights. Diluted income per share is calculated bydividing net income attributable to ordinary shareholders, as adjusted for the effects on income of participating securities as if they were dilutive ordinaryshares, if any, by the weighted average number of ordinary and dilutive ordinary equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Ordinary equivalent sharesconsist of ordinary shares issuable upon the conversion of the convertible notes using the if-converted method, and shares issuable upon the exercise of stockoptions and warrants for the purchase of ordinary shares using the treasury stock method. Ordinary equivalent shares are not included in the denominator ofthe diluted earnings per share calculation when inclusion of such shares would be antidilutive. Comprehensive Income – ASC Topic 220 establishes standards for the reporting and display of comprehensive income, its components and accumulatedbalances in a full set of general purpose financial statements. ASC Topic 220 defines comprehensive income to include all changes in equity except thoseresulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, including adjustments to minimum pension liabilities, accumulated foreign currencytranslation, and unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities. Fair Value Measurements – For purposes of fair value measurements, the Company applies the applicable provisions of ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurementsand Disclosures.” Accordingly, fair value for the Company’s financial accounting and reporting purposes represents the estimated price that would bereceived to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the designated measurement date. With anobjective to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures, the Financial Accounting Standard Board establishedthe fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. Level 1 Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at themeasurement date. An active market for the asset or liability is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency andvolume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis. A quoted price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and shall beused to measure fair value whenever available. As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not have any fair value assets and liabilities classified asLevel 1. Level 2 Inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. If the assetor liability has a specified (contractual) term, a Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. As at December 31,2018 and 2017, the Company did not have any fair value assets and liabilities classified as Level 2. Level 3 Inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs arenot available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. However, the fairvalue measurement objective remains the same, that is, an exit price from the perspective of a market participant that holds the asset or owes the liability.Therefore, unobservable inputs shall reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing theasset or liability (including assumptions about risk). As at December 31, 2018 and 2017, wealth management financial products were classified as Level 3. The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, pledged cash, time deposits, accounts and notes receivable, accountsand notes payable, advance payment or payable, other receivable or payable, accrued expenses and bank loans. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, therespective carrying values of all financial instruments approximated fair value because any changes in fair value, after considering the discount rate, areimmaterial. 73Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Stock-Based Compensation - The Company may issue stock options to employees and stock options or warrants to non-employees in non-capital raisingtransactions for services and for financing costs. The Company has adopted ASC Topic 718, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” which establishesa fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation plans. In accordance with ASC Topic 718, the cost of stock options and warrantsissued to employees and non-employees is measured on the grant date based on the fair value. The fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes optionpricing model. The resulting amount is charged to expense on the straight-line basis over the period in which the Company expects to receive the benefit,which is generally the vesting period. Foreign Currencies - China Automotive, the parent company, and HLUSA maintain their books and records in United States Dollars, “USD,” which is theirfunctional currency. The Company’s subsidiaries based in the PRC and Genesis maintain their books and records in Renminbi, “RMB,” which is theirfunctional currency. The Company’s subsidiary based in Brazil maintains its books and records in Brazilian reais, “BRL,” which is its functional currency. Inaccordance with ASC Topic 830, “FASB Accounting Standards Codification”, foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than thefunctional currency are remeasured into the functional currency at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date for monetary items. Nonmonetaryitems are remeasured at historical rates. Income and expenses are remeasured at the rate in effect on the transaction dates. Transaction gains and losses, if any,are included in the determination of net income for the period. In translating the financial statements of the Company’s China and Brazil subsidiaries and Genesis from their functional currency into the Company'sreporting currency of United States dollars, balance sheet accounts are translated using the closing exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date andincome and expense accounts are translated using an average exchange rate prevailing during the reporting period. Adjustments resulting from thetranslation, if any, are included in cumulative other comprehensive income (loss) in stockholders’ equity. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions The following are the related parties of the Company. The major shareholders of the Company directly or indirectly have interests in these related parties: ·Jingzhou Henglong Fulida Textile Co., Ltd., “ Fulida ” ·Xiamen Joylon Co., Ltd., “ Xiamen Joylon ” ·Shanghai Tianxiang Automotive Parts Co., Ltd., “ Shanghai Tianxiang ” ·Shanghai Jinjie Industrial & Trading Co., Ltd., “ Shanghai Jinjie ” ·Changchun Hualong Automotive Technology Co., Ltd., “ Changchun Hualong ” ·Jiangling Tongchuang Machining Co., Ltd., “ Jiangling Tongchuang ” ·Shanghai Hongxi Investment Inc, “ Hongxi ” ·Hubei Wiselink Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd., “ Hubei Wiselink ” ·Jingzhou Derun Agricultural S&T Development Co., Ltd., “ Jingzhou Derun ” ·Jingzhou Tongying Alloys Materials Co., Ltd., “ Jingzhou Tongying ” ·Wuhan Dida Information S&T Development Co., Ltd., “ Wuhan Dida ” ·Hubei Wanlong Investment Co., Ltd., “ Hubei Wanlong ” ·Jingzhou Yude Machining Co., Ltd., “ Jingzhou Yude ” ·Wiselink Holdings Limited, “ Wiselink ” ·Beijing Hainachuan HengLong Automotive Steering System Co., Ltd., “ Beijing Henglong ” ·Honghu Changrun Automotive Parts Co., Ltd., “ Honghu Changrun ” ·Jingzhou Henglong Real Estate Co., Ltd., “ Henglong Real Estate ” ·Xiamen Joylon Automotive Parts Co., Ltd., “Xiamen Automotive Parts ” 74Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. ·Jingzhou Jiulong Machinery and Electronic Trading Co., Ltd., “ Jiulong Machinery ”·Wuhan Tongkai Automobile Motor Co., Ltd., “ Wuhan Tongkai ”·Jingzhou Natural Astaxanthin Inc, “Jingzhou Astaxanthin”·Hubei Asta Biotech Inc, “Hubei Asta”·Shanghai Yifu Automotive Electronics Technology Co., Ltd., “Shanghai Yifu”·Suzhou Qingyan Venture Capital Fund L.P, “Suzhou Qingyan”·Chongqing Qingyan Venture Capital Fund L.P, “Chongqing Qingyan”·Chongqing Jinghua Automotive Intelligent Manufacturing Technology Research Co., Ltd., “Chongqing Jinghua”·Jingzhou WiseDawn Electric Car Co., Ltd., “Jingzhou WiseDawn”·Hubei Zhirong Automobile Technology Co., Ltd., “Hubei Zhirong”·Hubei Tongrun Automotive Parts Industry Development Co., Ltd., “Hubei Tongrun” Principal policies of the Company in connection with transactions with related parties are as follows: Products Sold to Related Parties – The Company sold products to related parties at fair market prices, and also granted them credit of three to four months onan open account basis. These transactions were consummated under similar terms as the Company's other customers. Materials Purchased from Related Parties – The Company purchased materials from related parties at fair market prices, and also received from them creditof three to four months on an open account basis. These transactions were consummated under similar terms as the Company's other suppliers. Equipment and Production Technology Purchased from Related Parties - The Company purchased equipment and production technology from relatedparties at fair market prices, or reasonable cost plus pricing if fair market prices are not available and was required to pay in advance based on the purchaseagreement between the two parties, because such equipment manufacturing and technology development was required for a long period. These transactionsare consummated under similar terms as the Company's other suppliers. Short-term Loans Extended to Related Parties - The Company provides short-term loans to related parties and assists the borrowing entities in addressingcertain cash flow needs. In general, the Company charges interest by referencing to the prevailing borrowing interest rates published by PBOC. The loans torelated parties are required to be approved by the audit committee. Recent Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Standards Adopted In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) jointly issued ASU No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers(Topic 606), which was further updated by ASU No. 2016-08 in March 2016, ASU No.2016-10 in April 2016 and ASU No.2016-11 in May 2016. The newguidance clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial ReportingStandards (IFRS). The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services tocustomers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. In July 2015, theFASB approved a deferral of the ASU effective date from annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016 to annual and interim periodsbeginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has evaluated its material contracts, and has concluded that the impact of adopting the standard on itsconsolidated financial statements and related disclosures was not material. The Company adopted the standard on January 1, 2018. 75Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230), Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU2016-15 refines how companies classify certain aspects of the cash flow statement in regards to debt prepayment, settlement of debt instruments, contingentconsideration payments, proceeds from insurance claims and life insurance policies, distribution from equity method investees, beneficial interests insecuritization transactions and separately identifiable cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interimperiods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance does not have a material effect onthe Company's consolidated financial statements. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-16, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory, to improve theaccounting for the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. The FASB decided that an entity should recognize theincome tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. Consequently, the amendments in this Updateeliminate the exception for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. Two common examples of assets included in the scope of this Update areintellectual property and property, plant, and equipment. The Update does not change GAAP for an intra-entity transfer of inventory. The amendments in thisUpdate do not include new disclosure requirements; however, existing disclosure requirements might be applicable when accounting for the current anddeferred income taxes for an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory. For public business entities, the amendments in this Update are effective forannual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. Early adoption ispermitted for all entities as of the beginning of an annual reporting period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or madeavailable for issuance. The amendments in this Update should be applied on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly toretained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The adoption of this guidance does not have a material effect on the Company's consolidatedfinancial statements. Statements of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statements of Cash Flows (Topic 230): RestrictedCash. The guidance requires that a statement of cash flows explain the changes during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generallydescribed as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be includedwith cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statements of cash flows. Thestandard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard should be applied to eachperiod presented using a retrospective transition method. The adoption of this standard does not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidatedfinancial statements, but resulted in pledged cash being included with cash, cash equivalents and pledged cash when reconciling the beginning-of-periodand end-of-period total amounts shown on the statements of cash flows. 76Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise fromoperating leases. A lessee should recognize in the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-of-use asset representing itsright to use the underlying asset for the lease term. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election byclass of underlying asset not to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expenses for such leasegenerally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The new lease standard also provides lessees with a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, tonot separate non-lease components from the associated lease component. If a lessee makes that accounting policy election, it is required to account for thenon-lease components together with the associated lease component as a single lease component and to provide certain disclosures. Lessors are not afforded asimilar practical expedient. The amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods withinthose fiscal years for public entities. For all other entities, the amendments in this Update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, andinterim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application of the amendments in this Update is permitted for all entities.Entities are required to adopt the new lease standard using a modified retrospective transition method. Under that transition method, an entity initiallyapplies the new lease standard (subject to specific transition requirements and optional practical expedients) at the beginning of the earliest period presentedin the financial statements. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, which provides another transition method in addition to the existing transitionmethod by allowing entities to initially apply the new lease standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the openingbalance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. This ASU also provides lessors with a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, to not separatenon-lease components from the associated lease component, similar to the expedient provided for lessees. However, the lessor practical expedient is limitedto circumstances in which the non-lease component or components otherwise would be accounted for under the new revenue guidance and both (1) thetiming and pattern of transfer are the same for the non-lease component(s) and associated lease component and (2) the lease component, if accounted forseparately, would be classified as an operating lease. The Company will adopt this new guidance for the year ending December 31, 2019 and interim periodsin the year ending December 31, 2019. The Company estimates that approximately $0.6 million would be recognized as total right-of-use assets and totallease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2019. Other than as disclosed above, we do not expect the new standard to have a materialimpact on our remaining consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,which eliminates the probable recognition threshold for credit impairments. The new guidance broadens the information that an entity must consider indeveloping its expected credit loss estimate for assets measured either collectively or individually to include forecasted information, as well as past eventsand current conditions. There is no specified method for measuring expected credit losses, and an entity is allowed to apply methods that reasonably reflectits expectations of the credit loss estimate. For public business entities that are SEC filers, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning afterDecember 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the amendments on itsconsolidated financial statements. In May 2017, the FASB issued guidance within ASU 2017-09: Scope of Modification Accounting. The amendments in ASU 2017-09 to Topic 718,Compensation - Stock Compensation, provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity toapply modification accounting. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless all of the following conditions are met: the fair value of themodified award is the same as the fair value of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; the vesting conditions of the modifiedaward are the same as the vesting conditions of the original award immediately before the original award is modified; and the classification of the modifiedaward as an equity instrument or a liability instrument is the same as the classification of the original award immediately before the original award ismodified. The amendments should be applied prospectively to an award modified on or after the adoption date. The amendments are effective for annualperiods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 31, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in any interimperiod. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effectsfrom Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, to address specific consequences of the U.S. Tax Reform. The update allows a reclassification fromaccumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the U.S. Tax Reform. The accounting update is effectiveJanuary 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and is to be applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect ofthe change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the U.S. Tax Reform is recognized. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the newstandard on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 77Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. 3.Short-term Investments The Company’s short-term investments as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31 2018 2017 Time deposits $- $12,019 Wealth management financial products measured at fair value 17,543 17,568 Total $17,543 $29,587 As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had pledged short-term investments of nil and RMB 13.0 million, equivalent to approximately nil and$1.9 million, respectively, to secure standby letters of credit under HSBC Bank (Note 12) and China CITIC Bank. The use of the pledged short-terminvestments is restricted. 4.Accounts and Notes Receivable The Company’s accounts receivable at December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31, 2018 2017 Accounts receivable - unrelated parties (1) $149,100 $166,889 Notes receivable - unrelated parties (2) (3) 90,412 109,183 Total accounts and notes receivable - unrelated parties 239,512 276,072 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - unrelated parties (1,993) (1,083)Accounts and notes receivable, net - unrelated parties 237,519 274,989 Accounts and notes receivable - related parties 18,825 19,086 Accounts and notes receivable, net $256,344 $294,075 (1)Notes receivable represents accounts receivable in the form of bills of exchange whose acceptances and settlements are handled by banks. (2)As of December 31, 2018, the Company collateralized its notes receivable in an amount of RMB 126.3 million, equivalent to approximately $18.4million, as security for the credit facilities with banks in China and the Chinese government, including RMB 75.2 million, equivalent to approximately$11.0 million, in favor of China CITIC Bank, Wuchang branch, “CITIC Wuchang” for the purpose of obtaining the new non-revolving credit facility andRMB 51.1 million, equivalent to approximately $7.5 million, as security in favor of the Chinese government for the low-interest government loan (SeeNote 12). As of December 31, 2017, the Company collateralized its notes receivable in an amount of RMB 258.5 million, equivalent to approximately $37.7million, as security for the credit facilities with banks in China and the Chinese government, including RMB 238.4 million, equivalent to approximately$34.7 million, in favor of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Jingzhou Branch, “ICBC Jingzhou”, and China CITIC Bank, Wuchang branch,“CITIC Wuchang” for the purpose of obtaining the Henglong Standby Letters of Credit (as defined in Note 12), which are used as security for the non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $20.0 million provided by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) Limited, “ICBC Macau” and thenon-revolving credit facility in the amount of $10.0 million provided by Taishin Bank, and RMB 20.0 million, equivalent to approximately $2.9million, as security in favor of the Chinese government for the low-interest government loan (See Note 12). 78Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The activity in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts of accounts receivable during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, is summarizedas follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $1,083 $1,081 Amounts provided for during the year 989 31 Amounts reversed of collection during the year (27) (90)Foreign currency translation (52) 61 Balance at end of year $1,993 $1,083 5.Advance Payments and Others The Company’s advance payments and others as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 consisted of the following: Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Advance payments and others - unrelated parties $17,177 $13,801 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - unrelated parties (2) (907) (1,011)Advance payments and others, net - unrelated parties 16,270 12,790 Advance payments and others - related parties (1) 1,281 20,841 Total advance payments and others 17,551 33,631 (1)On March 16, 2017, in order to generate higher returns for the Company’s idle cash, one of the Company's subsidiaries, Hubei Henglong, lent RMB200.0 million to Henglong Real Estate, one of the Company's related parties, through an independent financial institution by way of an entrusted loan.The term of the loan is one year and the annual interest rate is 6.35%. Henglong Real Estate repaid RMB 70 million and RMB 130 million to HubeiHenglong in the fourth quarter of 2017 and in the first quarter of 2018, respectively. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the outstandingloan balance was nil and RMB 130 million (equivalent to $19.9 million), respectively. (2)Provision for the doubtful accounts amounted to nil and $0.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 6. Inventories The Company’s inventories at December 31, 2018 and 2017, consisted of the following (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31, 2018 2017 Raw materials $27,190 $20,033 Work in process 11,932 17,951 Finished goods 48,899 41,233 Balance at end of year $88,021 $79,217 Provision for inventories amounted to $6.2 million and $5.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 7. Other Receivables The Company’s other receivables at December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD):79Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. December 31, 2018 2017 Other receivables - unrelated parties (1) $1,686 $1,109 Other receivables - employee housing loans (2) 212 1,187 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - unrelated parties (99) (108)Balance at end of year $1,799 $2,188 December 31, 2018 2017 Other receivables - related parties $547 $585 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - related parties (547) (585)Balance at end of year $- $- (1)Other receivables consist of amounts advanced to both related and unrelated parties, primarily as unsecured demand loans. These receivablesoriginate as part of the Company's normal operating activities and are periodically settled in cash. (2)On May 28, 2014, the board of directors of the Company approved a loan program under which the Company will lend an aggregate of up to RMB50.0 million (equivalent to approximately $7.3 million) to the employees of the Company to assist them in purchasing houses. Employees arerequired to pay interest at an annual rate of 3.8%. These loans are unsecured and the term of the loans is generally for five years. The activity in the Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts of other receivables during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized asfollows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year - unrelated parties $108 $63 Amounts provided for during the year - unrelated parties - 41 Amounts reversed of collection during the year - unrelated parties (4) - Foreign currency translation - unrelated parties (5) 4 Balance at end of year $99 $108 Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year - related parties $585 $559 Amounts provided for during the year - related parties - 18 Amounts reversed due to collection during the year - related parties (11) (26)Foreign currency translation- related parties (27) 34 Balance at end of year $547 $585 8. Long-term Investments In January 2010, the Company invested $3.1 million to establish a joint venture company, Beijing Henglong, with Hainachuan. The Company owns 50%equity in Beijing Henglong and can exercise significant influence over Beijing Henglong’s operating and financial policies. The Company accounted forBeijing Henglong’s operational results with the equity method. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $4.2 million and $4.1 million,respectively, of net equity in Beijing Henglong.80Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. In September 2014, Hubei Henglong entered into an agreement with other parties to establish a venture capital fund, the “Suzhou Venture Fund”, whichmainly focuses on investments in emerging automobiles and parts industries. Hubei Henglong has committed to make investments of RMB 50.0 million,equivalent to approximately $7.6 million, in the Suzhou Venture Fund in three installments. As of December 31, 2018, Hubei Henglong has completed acapital contribution of RMB 50.0 million, equivalent to approximately $7.6 million, representing 12.5% of the Suzhou Venture Fund’s shares. As a limitedpartner, Hubei Henglong has more than virtually no influence over the Suzhou Venture Fund’s operating and financial policies. The investment is accountedfor using the equity method. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $9.7 million and $10.3 million, respectively, of net equity in the SuzhouVenture Fund. In May 2016, Hubei Henglong entered into an agreement with other parties to establish a venture capital fund, the “Chongqing Venture Fund”. HubeiHenglong has committed to make investments of RMB 120.0 million, equivalent to approximately $18.1 million, representing 17.1% of Chongqing VentureFund’s shares. As of December 31, 2018, Hubei Henglong has completed a capital contribution of RMB 84.0 million, equivalent to approximately $12.7million, representing 23.5% of Chongqing Venture Fund’s shares. As a limited partner, Hubei Henglong has more than virtually no influence overChongqing Venture Fund’s operating and financial policies. The investment is accounted for using the equity method. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017,the Company had $13.1 million and $12.7 million, respectively, of net equity in Chongqing Venture Fund. In October 2016, Hubei Henglong invested RMB 3.0 million, equivalent to approximately $0.5 million, to establish an associate company, ChongqingJinghua Automotive Intelligent Manufacturing Technology Research Co., Ltd., “Chongqing Jinghua”, with five other parties. The Company owns 30% ofthe equity in Chongqing Jinghua, and can exercise significant influence over Chongqing Jinghua’s operating and financial policies. The Companyaccounted for Chongqing Jinghua’s operational results with the equity method. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $0.2 million and $0.5million, respectively, of net equity in Chongqing Jinghua. In March 2018, Hubei Henglong entered into an agreement with other parties to establish a venture capital fund, the “Hubei Venture Fund”. Hubei Henglonghas committed to make investments of RMB 76.0 million, equivalent to approximately $11.5 million, in the Hubei Venture Fund in three installments. As ofDecember 31, 2018, Hubei Henglong has completed a capital contribution of RMB 38.0 million, equivalent to approximately $5.5 million, representing19.0% of the Hubei Venture Fund’s shares. As a limited partner, Hubei Henglong has more than virtually no influence over the Hubei Venture Fund’soperating and financial policies. The investment is accounted for using the equity method. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had $5.5million and nil, respectively, of net equity in the Hubei Venture Fund. The Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the net income of non-consolidated affiliates of $1.1 million and $2.5 million for the years endedDecember 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 81Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. 9. Property, Plant and Equipment The Company’s property, plant and equipment at December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31, 2018 2017 Costs: Land use rights and buildings $60,593 $63,173 Machinery and equipment 192,538 165,863 Electronic equipment 5,810 5,819 Motor vehicles 4,852 4,945 Construction in progress 12,526 22,352 276,319 262,152 Less: Accumulated depreciation (146,466) (136,119)Balance at end of year $129,853 $126,033 Depreciation charges for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, were $16.5 million and $14.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company has pledged property, plant and equipment with a net book value of approximately $55.9 million and$68.4 million, respectively, as security for its comprehensive credit facilities with banks in China. During the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, nil and $0.5 million, respectively, of government subsidy was recorded as a reduction of the cost ofproperty, plant and equipment. 10. Intangible Assets The Company’s intangible assets at December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31, 2018 2017 Costs: Patent technology $2,063 $2,108 Management software license 1,504 1,441 Total intangible assets - at cost 3,567 3,549 Less: Accumulated amortization (2,962) (2,888)Balance at end of the year, net $605 $661 (1)Amortization expenses were $0.3 million and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The estimatedamortization expenses for each of the years from 2019 to 2023 are $0.2 million, $0.1 million, $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million,respectively. 11. Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 740 “Income Taxes,” the Company assesses, on a quarterly basis, its ability to realize its deferred tax assets.Based on the more likely than not standard in the guidance and the weight of available evidence, the Company believes a valuation allowance against itsdeferred tax assets is necessary. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considered the following significant factors: an assessmentof recent years’ profitability and losses by tax authorities; the Company’s expectation of profits based on margins and volumes expected to be realized(which are based on current pricing and volume trends); the long period in all significant operating jurisdictions before the expiry of net operating losses,noting further that a portion of the deferred tax asset is composed of deductible temporary differences that are subject to an expiry period until realized undertax law. The Company will continue to evaluate the provision of valuation allowance in future periods. 82Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31, 2018 2017 Losses carryforward (U.S.) (1) $3,023 $3,580 Losses carryforward (Non-U.S.) (1) 5,132 2,178 Product warranties and other reserves 5,695 5,264 Property, plant and equipment 4,884 4,607 Share-based compensation 131 156 Bonus accrual 363 287 Other accruals 1,858 1,535 Deductible temporary difference related to revenue recognition 1,756 1,619 Others 1,528 1,353 Total deferred tax assets 24,370 20,579 Less: valuation allowance (1) (7,522) (6,058)Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance 16,848 14,521 Deferred withholding tax for dividend distribution from PRC subsidiaries 4,198 4,393Other taxable temporary differences 1,512 1,154Total deferred tax liabilities $5,710 $5,547 (1)The net operating loss carry forwards for the U.S. entity for income tax purposes are available to reduce future years' taxable income. These carry forwardswill not expire if not utilized, and the Company may carry the losses forward indefinitely. Net operating loss carryforwards for China entities can becarried forward for 5 years to offset taxable income. However, as of December 31, 2018, valuation allowance was $7.5 million, including $3.2 millionallowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets in the United States and $4.3 million allowance for the Company’s non-U.S. deferred tax assets primarilyin China. Based on the Company’s current operations, management believes that all deferred tax assets in the United States and certain deferred taxassets in non-U.S. regions are not likely to be realized in the future. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified in the consolidated balance sheets as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31, 2018 2017 Deferred tax assets $15,336 $13,367 Deferred tax liabilities 4,198 4,393 The activity in the Company’s valuation allowance for deferred tax assets during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized as follows(figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $6,058 $8,912 Amounts provided for during the year 2,288 860 Amounts used during the year (713) (1,309)The effect of change in the tax rate due to the U.S. Tax Reform - (2,490)Foreign currency translation (111) 85 Balance at end of year $7,522 $6,058 12. Bank and Government Loans Loans consist of the following as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31, 2018 2017 Short-term bank loans (1) $29,146 $9,948 Short-term bank loans (2) (3) (4) - 30,454 Short-term bank loans (5) 24,521 29,248 Short-term government loan (6) 7,285 3,061 Total short-term bank and government loans $60,952 $72,711 Long-term government loan (7) 291 306 Total bank and government loans $61,243 $73,017 83Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. (1)These loans are secured by property, plant and equipment of the Company and are repayable within one year (See Note 9). As of December 31, 2018 and2017, the weighted average interest rate was 5.3% and 4.7% per annum, respectively. Interest is to be paid monthly or quarterly on the twentieth day ofthe applicable month or quarter and the principal repayment is at maturity. (2)On April 20, 2017, the Company entered into a credit facility agreement with ICBC Macau to obtain a non-revolving credit facility in the amount of$20.0 million, the “ICBC Macau Credit Facility”. The ICBC Macau Credit Facility expired on May 12, 2018 unless the Company draws down the line ofcredit in full prior to such expiration date, and the maturity date for the loan drawdown is the earlier of (i) 12 months from the date of drawdown or (ii)one month before the expiry of the standby letter of credit obtained by Henglong from ICBC Jingzhou as security for the Credit Facility, the “HenglongStandby Letter of Credit”. The interest rate of the ICBC Macau Credit Facility is calculated based on a three-month LIBOR plus 1.30% per annum,subject to the availability of funds and fluctuation at ICBC Macau’s discretion. Interest is calculated daily based on a 360-day year and it is fixed oneday before the first day of each interest period. The interest period is defined as three months from the date of drawdown. As security for the ICBC MacauCredit Facility, the Company was required to provide ICBC Macau with the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit for a total amount of not less than $23.2million if the ICBC Macau Credit Facility is fully drawn. On May 5, 2017, the Company drew down the full amount of $20.0 million under the ICBC Macau Credit Facility and provided the Henglong StandbyLetter of Credit for an amount of $23.2 million in favor of ICBC Macau. The Henglong Standby Letter of Credit issued by ICBC Jingzhou iscollateralized by Henglong’s notes receivable of RMB 159.0 million, equivalent to approximately $23.2 million. The original maturity date of the Credit Facility was May 12, 2018 and was extended to November 11, 2018. The Company repaid $1.0 million to ICBCMacau on May 4, 2018. The maturity date for the loan under the extended term was the earlier of (i) 18 months from the date of drawdown or (ii) onemonth before the expiry of the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit. Except for the above, all other terms and conditions as stipulated in the CreditAgreement remained unchanged. As of December 31, 2018, the interest rate of the Credit Facility was 4.1% per annum. The Company repaid this bankloan on October 10, 2018. (3)On April 25, 2017, Great Genesis entered into a credit facility agreement, the “Taishin Bank Credit Facility”, with Taishin Bank to obtain a non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $10.0 million. The Taishin Bank Credit Facility expired on April 25, 2018 and had an annual interest rate of2.7%. Interest was paid quarterly and the principal repayment was payable at maturity. As security for the Taishin Bank Credit Facility, the Company’ssubsidiary Henglong was required to provide Taishin Bank with the Standby Letter of Credit for a total amount of not less than $10.0 million if theTaishin Bank Credit Facility was fully drawn. On April 28, 2017, Great Genesis drew down the amount of $9.9 million under the Taishin Bank Credit Facility and provided the Henglong StandbyLetter of Credit for an amount of $10.0 million in favor of Taishin Bank. Henglong’s Standby Letter of Credit issued by China CITIC Bank Wuchangbranch was collateralized by Henglong’s short-term investments of RMB 4.0 million, equivalent to approximately $0.6 million, and notes receivable ofRMB 79.4 million, equivalent to approximately $11.6 million. The Company repaid this bank loan on September 17, 2018. (4)On April 1, 2016, Brazil Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with HSBC Brazil to obtain a credit facility in the amount of $0.1 million, the“HSBC Brazil Credit Facility”. The HSBC Brazil Credit Facility expired on October 27, 2017. As security for the HSBC Credit Facility, the Company’ssubsidiary Hubei Henglong was required to provide HSBC Brazil with the Standby Letter of Credit for a total amount of $0.1 million if the HSBC BrazilCredit Facility is fully drawn. On May 6, 2016, Brazil Henglong drew down a loan amounting to $0.1 million provided by HSBC Brazil. The loan matured on October 9, 2017 and hasan annual interest rate of 8.2%. Hubei Henglong provided a Standby Letter of Credit for an amount of $0.1 million in favor of HSBC Brazil. HubeiHenglong’s Standby Letter of Credit was issued by China CITIC Bank Wuhan branch and is collateralized by short-term investments of Hubei Henglongof RMB 0.5 million, equivalent to approximately $0.1 million. The Company repaid this bank loan on October 9, 2017. On August 26, 2016, Brazil Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with Bank of China (Brazil) to obtain a credit facility in the amount of $0.6million, the “Bank of China Credit Facility”. The Bank of China Credit Facility expired on January 15, 2018. As security for the Bank of China CreditFacility, the Company’s subsidiary Hubei Henglong is required to provide Bank of China (Brazil) with a Standby Letter of Credit for a total amount of$0.9 million if the Bank of China Credit Facility is fully drawn. On August 26, 2016, Brazil Henglong drew down a loan amounting to $0.6 million provided by Bank of China (Brazil). The loan matured on January15, 2018 and has an annual interest rate of 4.05%. Interest is paid semiannually and the principal repayment is at maturity. Hubei Henglong provided aStandby Letter of Credit for an amount of $0.9 million in favor of Bank of China (Brazil). Hubei Henglong’s Standby Letter of Credit was issued by Bankof China Jingzhou branch and is collateralized by long-term time deposits of Hubei Henglong of RMB 6.0 million, equivalent to approximately $0.9million. The Company repaid this bank loan on January 16, 2018. 84Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. (5)On September 26, 2016, Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of RMB 170.0million (equivalent to approximately $24.8 million), the “Henglong CITIC Credit Facility”. The Henglong CITIC Credit Facility expired on September26, 2017. As security for the Henglong CITIC Credit Facility, Henglong’s property, plant and equipment were pledged and Hubei Henglong provided aguarantee. On March 3, 2017, Henglong drew down loans amounting to RMB 32.5 million, RMB 32.5 million and 30.6 million (equivalent to $4.7million, $4.7 million and $4.5 million as of December 31, 2018), respectively. The loans matured on February 5, 6 and 7, 2018, respectively. The annualinterest rate of the loans is 4.99%. The principal and interest have been repaid on respective maturity dates. On October 27, 2017, Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of RMB 224.0million (equivalent to $32.6 million as of December 31, 2018), the “Henglong CITIC Credit Facility”. The Henglong CITIC Credit Facility expired onOctober 27, 2018. As security for the Henglong CITIC Credit Facility, Henglong’s property, plant and equipment were pledged and Hubei Henglongprovided a guarantee. Henglong provided Jielong with a Standby Letter of Credit under the Credit Facility. On August 21, 2018, Henglong drew downloans amounting to RMB 23.2 million and RMB 48.1 million (equivalent to $3.4 million and $7.0 million), respectively. On August 23 and September7, 2018, Henglong drew down loans amounting to RMB 19.3 million and RMB 5.8 million (equivalent to $2.8 million and $0.8 million), respectively.The annual interest rate of the loans was 3.63%, 3.98%, 3.79% and 3.95%, respectively. On September 26, 2016, Hubei Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount ofRMB 100.0 million (equivalent to approximately $14.6 million), the “Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility”. The Hubei Henglong CITIC CreditFacility expired on September 26, 2017. Henglong provided a guarantee for the Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility. On March 3, 2017, HubeiHenglong drew down loans amounting to RMB 28.7 million, RMB 28.7 million and 38.2 million (equivalent to $4.2 million, $4.2 million and $5.6million), respectively. The loans matured on February 2, 8 and 9, 2018, respectively. The annual interest rate of the loans was 4.99%. The principal andinterest have been repaid. On October 27, 2017, Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of RMB 140.0million (equivalent to $20.4 million as of December 31, 2018), the “Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility”. The Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facilityexpired on October 27, 2018. Henglong provided a guarantee for the Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility. Hubei Henglong provided Jiulong with aStandby Letter of Credit under the Credit Facility. On August 10, 2018, Hubei Henglong drew down loans amounting to RMB 11.5 million and RMB27.0 million (equivalent to $1.7 million and $3.9 million), respectively. On August 22 and September 6, 2018, Hubei Henglong drew down loansamounting to RMB 26.0 million and RMB 7.6 million (equivalent to $3.8 million and $1.1 million), respectively. The annual interest rate of the loanswas 3.93%, 3.84%, 3.98% and 4.01%, respectively. (6)On August 17, 2017, the Company received a Chinese government loan of RMB 20.0 million, equivalent to approximately $3.1 million, with an interestrate of 1.50% per annum, which matured on August 16, 2018. Henglong pledged RMB 20.0 million, equivalent to approximately $2.9 million, of notesreceivable as security for the Chinese government loan (See Note 4). The Company repaid this loan on August 14, 2018. On September 27, 2018, the Company received a Chinese government loan of RMB 50.0 million, equivalent to approximately $7.3 million, with aninterest rate of 3.48% per annum, which will mature on June 28, 2019. Henglong pledged RMB 51.0 million, equivalent to approximately $7.4 million,of notes receivable as security for the Chinese government loan (See Note 4). (7)On November 13, 2017, the Company received a Chinese government loan of RMB 2.0 million, equivalent to approximately $0.3 million, with aninterest rate of 4.75% per annum, which will mature on November 12, 2020. The Company must use the loans for the purpose specified in the borrowing agreement. If it fails to do so, it may be charged penalty interest or triggered earlyrepayment. The Company complied with such financial covenants as of December 31, 2018, and management believes it will continue to comply with them. 85Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. 13. Accounts and Notes Payable The Company’s accounts and notes payable at December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31, 2018 2017 Accounts payable - unrelated parties $124,610 $149,200 Notes payable - unrelated parties (1) 81,033 83,848 Accounts and notes payable - unrelated parties 205,643 233,048 Accounts and notes payable - related parties 4,477 7,168 Balance at end of year $210,120 $240,216 (1)Notes payable represent payables in the form of notes issued by the Company. The notes are endorsed by banks to ensure that noteholders will be paidafter maturity. The Company has pledged cash, notes receivable and certain property, plant and equipment to secure notes payable granted by banks. 14. Accrued Expenses and Other Payables The Company’s accrued expenses and other payables at December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31, 2018 2017 Accrued expenses $8,341 $7,944 Warranty reserves(1) 31,085 29,033 Other payables 3,783 1,803 Current portion of other long-term payable (See Note 17) 3,400 - Accrued interest 423 1,347 Balance at end of year $47,032 $40,127 (1)The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties when the products are sold. Such estimates of product warranties are based on, amongother things, historical experience, product changes, material expenses, services and transportation expenses arising from the manufactured products.Estimates will be adjusted on the basis of actual claims and circumstances. 15. Taxes Payable The Company’s taxes payable at December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): December 31, 2018 2017 Value-added tax payable $3,790 $1,813 Income tax payable 3,778 3,450 Other tax payable 3,569 664 Short-term taxes payable 11,137 5,927 Long-term taxes payable(1) 29,503 32,719 Taxes payable $40,640 $38,646 (1)A one-time transition tax of $35.6 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2017 that represented management’s estimate of the amount of U.S.corporate income tax based on the deemed repatriation to the United States of the Company’s share of previously deferred earnings of certain non-U.S.subsidiaries of the Company mandated by the U.S. Tax Reform. The Company elected to pay the one-time transition tax over eight years commencing inApril 2018. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, $2.8 million was included in taxes payable as a current liability which the Company believes it will bepaid within one year and the remaining balance was included in long-term taxes payable. See Note 27 for more details about the U.S. Tax Reform. 86Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. 16. Advances Payable On December 31, 2018 and 2017, advances payable of the Company was $2.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively. The amounts are special subsidies made by the Chinese government to the Company, to offset the cost and charges related to the improvement of productioncapacities and improvement of the quality of products. For the government subsidies with no further conditions to be met, the amounts are recorded as otherincome when received; for the amounts with certain operating conditions, the government subsidies are recorded as advances payable when received and willbe recorded as a deduction of related expenses and cost when the conditions are met. The balances are unsecured and interest-free and will be repayable to the Chinese government if the usage of such advance does not continue to qualify forthe subsidy. 17. Other Long-term Payable On January 31, 2018, the Company entered into an equipment sales agreement with a third party (the “buyer-lessor”) and simultaneously entered into a four-year contract to lease back the equipment from the buyer-lessor. The carrying value of the equipment was $13.3 million and the sales price was $14.6 million.Pursuant to the terms of the contract, the Company is required to pay to the buyer-lessor lease payments over 4 years with a quarterly lease payment of $1.0million and is entitled to obtain the ownership of this equipment at a nominal price upon the expiration of the lease. The Company is of the view that thetransaction does not qualify as a sale. Therefore, the transaction is accounted for as a financing transaction by the Company. As of December 31, 2018, $3.4million is recognized as other payable (See Note 14) and $8.7 million is recognized as other long-term payable to the buyer-lessor according to the contractterm. 18. Additional Paid-In Capital The Company’s positions in respect of the amounts of additional paid-in capital for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarized as follows(figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $64,406 $64,764 Acquisition of the non-controlling interest in Brazil Henglong(1) - (458)Share-based compensation (2) 23 100 Balance at end of year $64,429 $64,406 (1)In May 2017, the Company obtained an additional 15.84% equity interest in Brazil Henglong for nil consideration. The Company retained itscontrolling interest in Brazil Henglong and the acquisition of the non-controlling interest was accounted for as an equity transaction. (2)On December 5, 2018 and August 16, 2017, the Company granted 22,500 and 22,500 stock options, respectively, to the Company’s independentdirectors, with the exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock traded on NASDAQ one day before the date of grant and onthe date of grant, respectively. 87Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. 19. Stock Options The stock option plan was approved at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 28, 2005, and extended to June 27, 2025 at the Annual Meeting ofStockholders held on September 16, 2014. The maximum common shares available for issuance under this plan is 2,200,000. The stock incentive planprovides for the issuance, to the Company’s officers, directors, management and employees who served over three years or have given outstandingperformance, of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company has issued 636,350 stock options under this plan, and thereremain 1,563,650 stock options issuable in the future as of December 31, 2018. Under the aforementioned plan, the stock options granted will have an exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock traded onNASDAQ one day before the date of grant, and will expire two to five years after the grant date. Except for the 298,850 options granted to management inDecember 2008, which became exercisable on a ratable basis over the vesting period (3 years), the others were exercisable immediately on the grant date.Stock options will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock upon exercise and are recorded in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets underthe caption “Additional paid-in capital.” As of December 31, 2018, the Company has sufficient unissued registered common stock for settlement of the stockincentive plan mentioned above. The fair value of stock options was determined at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option model requiresmanagement to make various estimates and assumptions, including expected term, expected volatility, risk-free rate, and dividend yield. The expected termrepresents the period of time that stock-based compensation awards granted are expected to be outstanding and is estimated based on considerationsincluding the vesting period, contractual term and anticipated employee exercise patterns. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of theCompany’s stock. The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in relation to the contractual life of stock-based compensation instruments. Thedividend yield assumption is based on historical patterns and future expectations for the Company dividends. For 2018 and 2017, assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options on the grant dates are as follows: Issuance Date Expected volatility Risk-free rate Expected term (years) Dividend yield August 16, 2017 54.80% 1.79% 5 0.00%December 5, 2018 44.72% 2.79% 5 0.00% The stock options granted during 2018 and 2017 were exercisable immediately and their fair value on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricingmodel were $0.02 million and $0.1 million, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized stock-basedcompensation expenses of $0.02 million and $0.1 million, respectively. The activities of stock options are summarized as follows, including granted, exercised and forfeited. Weighted-Average Weighted-Average Contractual Shares Exercise Price Term (years) Outstanding - January 1, 2017 112,500 $7.31 5 Granted 22,500 5.04 5 Outstanding - December 31, 2017 135,000 $6.93 5 Granted 22,500 2.37 5 Expired (22,500) 10.00 5 Outstanding - December 31, 2018 135,000 $5.66 5 88Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The following is a summary of the range of exercise prices for stock options that are outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2018: Outstanding Stock Weighted Average Weighted Average Number of Stock Range of Exercise Prices Options Remaining Life Exercise Price Options Exercisable $3.50 - $10.00 135,000 2.83 $5.66 135,000 As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the total intrinsic value of the Company’s stock options that were exercisable was $0.1 million and $0.1 million,respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, no Company’s stock options were exercised. During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the weighted average fair value of the Company’s stock options granted was $1.01 and $4.46,respectively. 20. Retained Earnings Pursuant to the relevant PRC laws, the profits distribution of the Company’s Sino-foreign subsidiaries, which are based on their PRC statutory financialstatements, other than the financial statement that was prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America,are available for distribution in the form of cash dividends after these subsidiaries have paid all relevant PRC tax liabilities, provided for losses in previousyears, and made appropriations to statutory surplus at 10%. When the statutory surplus reserve reaches 50% of the registered capital of a company, additional reserve is no longer required. However, the reserve cannotbe distributed to shareholders. Based on the business licenses of the PRC subsidiaries, the registered capital of Henglong, Jiulong, Shenyang, USAI, Jielong,Wuhu, Hubei Henglong and Chongqing are $10.0 million, $4.2 million (equivalent to RMB 35.0 million), $8.1 million (equivalent to RMB 67.5 million),$2.6 million, $6.0 million, $3.8 million (equivalent to RMB 30.0 million), $39 million and $9.5 million (equivalent to RMB 60.0 million), respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the subsidiaries in China appropriated statutory reserves of $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively, inrespect of the dividends that were declared. 21. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The Company’s activities in respect of the amounts of the accumulated other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, aresummarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $17,780 $(892)Other comprehensive income related to the non-controlling interests acquired by the Company - (67)Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to parent company (15,925) 18,739 Balance at end of year $1,855 $17,780 89Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. 22. Treasury Stock Treasury stock represents shares repurchased by the Company that are no longer outstanding and are held by the Company. Treasury stock is accounted forunder the cost method. On December 5, 2018, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program under which the Company waspermitted to repurchase up to $5.0 million of its common stock from time to time in the open market at prevailing market prices not to exceed $4.00 per sharethrough December 4, 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company repurchased 17,400 shares of the Company’s common stock for cashconsideration of $0.05 million on the open market. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had cumulatively repurchased 711,698 shares of the Company’scommon stock since inception. The repurchased shares are presented as “treasury stock” on the balance sheet. 23. Non-controlling Interests The Company’s activities in respect of the amounts of the non-controlling interests’ equity for the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are summarizedas follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $6,681 $5,412 (Loss)/income attributable to non-controlling interests (2,298) 707 Contribution by non-controlling shareholder of Henglong KYB 15,728 - Dividends declared to the non-controlling interest holders of joint-venture companies (538) (608)Acquisition of the non-controlling interest in Brazil Henglong - 458 Other comprehensive income related to the non-controlling interests acquired by the Company - 67 Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to non-controlling interests (623) 645 Balance at end of year $18,950 $6,681 24. Gain on Other Sales Gain on other sales mainly consists of net amount retained from sales of materials, property, plant and equipment and scraps. 25. Other Income, Net The Company recorded government subsidies received with no further condition to be met as other income. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, theCompany has recognized such subsidies in the amounts of $1.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively. The Chinese government provides subsidies to support enterprises in their Research and development, “R&D,” and renewal of equipment. Governmentsubsidies are generally classified as specific purpose subsidies, such as R&D activities and renewal of equipment, and unspecified purpose subsidies. Forspecific purpose subsidies, accounting by the occurred evidence, subsidies for the R&D activities first offset related R&D expenses that occurred, andsubsidies for renewal of equipment offset the cost of related assets. Unspecific purpose subsidies are generally recognized as other income. 90Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. 26. Financial Income, Net During the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded financial income/(expenses) which are summarized as follows (figures are inthousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Interest income $2,275 $3,438 Foreign exchange gain/(loss), net 457 (778)Bank fees (570) (480)Total financial income, net $2,162 $2,180 27. Income Taxes PRC Corporate Income Tax The Company’s subsidiaries registered in the PRC are subject to national and local income taxes within the PRC at the applicable tax rate of 25% on thetaxable income as reported in their PRC statutory financial statements in accordance with the relevant income tax laws applicable to foreign investedenterprise, unless preferential tax treatment is granted by local tax authorities. If the enterprise meets certain preferential terms according to the China incometax law, such as assessment as a “High & New Technology Enterprise” by the government, then, the enterprise will be subject to enterprise income tax at arate of 15%. Pursuant to the New China Income Tax Law and the Implementing Rules, “New CIT”, which became effective as of January 1, 2008, dividends generatedafter January 1, 2008 and payable by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign investors will be subject to a 10% withholding tax if the foreign investors areconsidered as non-resident enterprises without any establishment or place within China or if the dividends payable have no connection with theestablishment or place of the foreign investors within China, unless any such foreign investor’s jurisdiction of incorporation has a tax treaty with China thatprovides for a different withholding arrangement. Genesis, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary and the direct holder of the equity interests in the Company’s subsidiaries in China, is incorporated inHong Kong. According to the Mainland China and Hong Kong Taxation Arrangement, dividends paid by a foreign-invested enterprise in China to its directholding company in Hong Kong would be subject to withholding tax at a rate of 10% if Genesis could not obtain the Hong Kong tax resident certificate fromthe Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department. If Genesis obtains the Hong Kong tax resident certificate, owns directly at least 25% of the shares of the foreigninvested enterprise and is qualified as the beneficial owner, it could benefit from a lower rate of 5%. According to PRC tax regulation, the Company should withhold income taxes for the profits distributed from the PRC subsidiaries to Genesis, thesubsidiaries’ holding company incorporated in Hong Kong. For the profits that the PRC subsidiaries intended to distribute to Genesis, the Company accruesthe withholding income tax as deferred tax liabilities. As of December 31, 2018, the Company has recognized deferred tax liabilities of $4.2 million for theundistributed profits of $42.3 million which are expected to be distributed to Genesis in the future. The Company intended to re-invest the remainingundistributed profits generated from the PRC subsidiaries in those subsidiaries indefinitely. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company still hasundistributed earnings of approximately $296.3 million and $294.2 million, respectively, from investment in the PRC subsidiaries that are consideredindefinitely reinvested. Had the undistributed earnings been distributed to Genesis and not indefinitely reinvested, the tax provision as of December 31, 2018and 2017, of approximately $29.6 million and $29.4 million, respectively, would have been recorded. Such undistributed profits will be reinvested inGenesis and not further distributed to the parent company incorporated in the United States going forward. 91Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. In 2014, Jiulong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise”, and based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise income taxat a rate of 15% from 2014 to 2016. It passed the reassessment of “High & New Technology Enterprise” in 2017. Therefore, it is subject to enterprise incometax at a rate of 15% from 2017 to 2019. In 2014, Henglong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise”, and based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise incometax at a rate of 15% from 2014 to 2016. It passed the reassessment of “High & New Technology Enterprise” in 2017. Therefore, it is subject to enterpriseincome tax at a rate of 15% from 2017 to 2019. In 2014, Hubei Henglong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise”, and based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterpriseincome tax at a rate of 15% from 2014 to 2016. It passed the reassessment of “High & New Technology Enterprise” in 2017. Therefore, it is subject toenterprise income tax at a rate of 15% from 2017 to 2019. In 2014, Wuhu was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise”, and based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise income taxat a rate of 15% from 2014 to 2016. It passed the reassessment of “High & New Technology Enterprise” in 2017. Therefore, it is subject to enterprise incometax at a rate of 15% from 2017 to 2019. In 2015, Shenyang was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise”, and based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise incometax at a rate of 15% from 2015 to 2017. The Company estimated the applied tax rate in 2018 to be 15% as it is probable to pass the reassessment in 2018 andcontinue to qualify as “High & New Technology Enterprise”. In 2013, Jielong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it is subject to enterprise income taxat a rate of 15% from 2016 to 2018. The Company estimated the applied tax rate in 2019 to be 15% as it is probable to pass the reassessment in 2019 andcontinue to qualify as “High & New Technology Enterprise”. According to the New CIT, USAI, Wuhan Chuguanjie, Shanghai Henglong, Testing Center, Chongqing Henglong and Henglong KYB are subject to incometax at a rate of 25%. Brazil Corporate Income Tax Based on Brazilian income tax laws, Brazil Henglong is subject to income tax at a uniform rate of 15%, and a resident legal person is subject to additional taxat a rate of 10% for the part of taxable income over $0.12 million, equivalent to approximately BRL 0.24 million. The Company had no assessable income inBrazil for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. 92Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Hong Kong Corporate Income Tax The profits tax rate of Hong Kong is 16.5%. No provision for Hong Kong tax is made as Genesis is an investment holding company, and had no assessableincome in Hong Kong for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. U.S. Corporate Income Tax The Company is a Delaware corporation that is subject to U.S. corporate income tax on its taxable income at a rate of up to 21% for taxable years beginningafter December 31, 2017 and U.S. corporate income tax on its taxable income of up to 35% for prior tax years. Recent U.S. federal tax legislation, commonlyreferred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “U.S. Tax Reform”), was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The U.S. Tax Reform significantly modified theU.S. Internal Revenue Code by, among other things, reducing the statutory U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% for taxable yearsbeginning after December 31, 2017; limiting and/or eliminating many business deductions; migrating the U.S. to a territorial tax system with a one-timetransition tax on a mandatory deemed repatriation of previously deferred foreign earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries; subject to certain limitations,generally eliminating U.S. corporate income tax on dividends from foreign subsidiaries; and providing for new taxes on certain foreign earnings. Taxpayersmay elect to pay the one-time transition tax over eight years, or in a single lump sum. The U.S. Tax Reform also includes provisions for a new tax on GILTI effective for tax years of foreign corporations beginning after December 31, 2017. TheGILTI provisions impose a tax on foreign income in excess of a deemed return on tangible assets of controlled foreign corporations (“CFCs”), subject to thepossible use of foreign tax credits and a deduction equal to 50 percent to offset the income tax liability, subject to some limitations. To the extent that portions of the Company’s U.S. taxable income, such as Subpart F income or GILTI, are determined to be from sources outside of the U.S.,subject to certain limitations, the Company may be able to claim foreign tax credits to offset its U.S. income tax liabilities. If dividends that the Companyreceives from its subsidiaries are determined to be from sources outside of the U.S., subject to certain limitations, the Company will generally not be requiredto pay U.S. corporate income tax on those dividends. Any liabilities for U.S. corporate income tax will be accrued in the Company’s consolidated statementsof comprehensive income and estimated tax payments will be made when required by U.S. law. One-Time Transition Tax Related to U.S. Tax Reform In the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company recognized a one-time transition tax of $35.6 million that represented management’s estimate of the amount ofU.S. corporate income tax based on the deemed repatriation to the United States of the Company’s share of previously deferred earnings of certain non-U.S.subsidiaries of the Company mandated by the U.S. Tax Reform. The Company elected to pay the one-time transition tax over eight years commencing inApril 2018. The actual impact of the U.S. Tax Reform on the Company may differ from management’s estimates, and management may update its judgmentsbased on future regulations or guidance issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and specific actions the Company may take in the future. 93Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The provision for income taxes was calculated as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Tax rate 21% 35%Income before income taxes $(2,501) $20,375 Income tax at federal statutory tax rate (525) 7,131 Tax benefit of super deduction of R&D expense (3,731) (5,328)Effect of differences in foreign tax rate (749) (1,830)Change in provision on valuation allowance for deferred income tax - U.S. (583) (2,725)Change in provision on valuation allowance for deferred income tax - Non-U.S. 2,158 (128)One-time transition tax related to U.S. Tax Reform - 35,564 Withholding tax resulting from the distribution of dividends from PRC subsidiaries - 3,952 Effect of change in the tax rate due to the U.S. Tax Reform - 2,490 Other differences 1,965 2,507 Total income tax expense $(1,465) $41,633 The combined effects of the income tax exemption and reduction available to the Company are as follows (figures are in thousands of USD unless otherwiseindicated): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Tax holiday effect $749 $1,830 Basic net income per share effect 0.02 0.06 Diluted net income per share effect 0.02 0.06 The Company is subject to examination in the United States and China. The Company's tax years for 2014 through 2018 are still open for examination inChina. The Company's tax years for 2009 through 2018 are still open for examination in the United States. Uncertain Tax Positions The Company did not have any uncertain tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017. 28. Income Per Share Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average number of the ordinary shares outstanding during the year. For diluted income per share, the Company uses the treasury stock method for options, assuming the issuance of common shares, if dilutive, resulting fromthe exercise of options. The calculations of basic and diluted income per share attributable to the parent company were (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Numerator: Net income/(loss) attributable to the parent company’s common shareholders - Basic and Diluted $2,377 (19,346)Denominator: 　 Weighted average ordinary shares outstanding - Basic 31,643,813 31,644,004 Dilutive effects of stock options 1,781 2,893 Denominator for dilutive income per share - Diluted 31,645,594 31,646,897 Net income/(loss) per share attributable to the parent company’s common shareholders 　 Basic 0.08 (0.61)Diluted 0.08 (0.61) 94Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the exercise prices for 112,500 shares and 112,500 shares, respectively, of outstanding stock options were above theweighted average market price of the Company’s common stock during the year ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and these stock optionswere excluded from the calculation of the diluted income per share for the corresponding periods presented. 29. Significant Concentrations A significant portion of the Company’s business is conducted in China where the currency is the RMB. Regulations in China permit foreign owned entitiesto freely convert the RMB into foreign currency for transactions that fall under the "current account", which includes trade related receipts and payments,interest and dividends. Accordingly, the Company’s Chinese subsidiaries may use RMB to purchase foreign exchange for settlement of such "currentaccount" transactions without pre-approval. China Automotive, the parent company, may depend on Genesis and HLUSA dividend payments, which are generated from their subsidiaries in China,“China-based Subsidiaries,” after they receive payments from the China-based Subsidiaries. Regulations in the PRC currently permit payment of dividends ofa PRC company only out of accumulated profits as determined in accordance with accounting standards and regulations in China. Under PRC law China-based Subsidiaries are required to set aside at least 10% of their after-tax profit based on PRC accounting standards each year to their general reserves untilthe cumulative amount reaches 50% of their paid-in capital. These reserves are not distributable as cash dividends, or as loans or advances. These foreign-invested enterprises may also allocate a portion of their after-tax profits, at the discretion of their boards of directors, to their staff welfare and bonus funds.Any amounts so allocated may not be distributed and, accordingly, would not be available for distribution to Genesis and HLUSA. The PRC government also imposes controls on the convertibility of RMB into foreign currencies and, in certain cases, the remittance of currencies out ofChina, the China-based Subsidiaries may experience difficulties in completing the administrative procedures necessary to obtain and remit foreigncurrencies. If China Automotive is unable to receive dividend payments from its subsidiaries and China-based subsidiaries, China Automotive may be unableto effectively finance its operations or pay dividends on its shares. Transactions other than those that fall under the "current account" and that involve conversion of RMB into foreign currency are classified as "capitalaccount" transactions; examples of "capital account" transactions include repatriations of investment by or loans to foreign owners, or direct equityinvestments in a foreign entity by a China domiciled entity. "Capital account" transactions require prior approval from China's State Administration ofForeign Exchange, or SAFE, or its provincial branch to convert a remittance into a foreign currency, such as U.S. Dollars, and transmit the foreign currencyoutside of China. This system could be changed at any time and any such change may affect the ability of the Company or its subsidiaries in China to repatriate capital orprofits, if any, outside China. Furthermore, SAFE has a significant degree of administrative discretion in implementing the laws and has used this discretionto limit convertibility of current account payments out of China. Whether as a result of a deterioration in the Chinese balance of payments, a shift in theChinese macroeconomic prospects or any number of other reasons, China could impose additional restrictions on capital remittances abroad. As a result ofthese and other restrictions under the laws and regulations of the People's Republic of China, or the PRC, the Company’s China subsidiaries are restricted intheir ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the parent. The Company has no assurance that the relevant Chinese governmental authorities in thefuture will not limit further or eliminate the ability of the Company’s Chinese subsidiaries to purchase foreign currencies and transfer such funds to theCompany to meet its liquidity or other business needs. Any inability to access funds in China, if and when needed for use by the Company outside of China,could have a material and adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity and its business. 95Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Company grants credit to its customers including Xiamen Joylon, Shanghai Fenglong, Beijing Henglong and Jiangling Yude, which are related partiesof the Company. The Company’s customers are mostly located in the PRC except for Fiat Chrysler North America, which is in the U.S. In 2018, the Company’s five largest customers accounted for 39.3 % of the Company’s consolidated sales, with one customer accounting for more than 10%of consolidated sales (18.6% of consolidated sales, which comprised a total of $91.4 million in sales included in the Hubei Henglong segment (Note 33)). In 2017, the Company’s five largest customers accounted for 36.8% of the Company’s consolidated sales, with one customer accounting for more than 10%of consolidated sales (14.5% of consolidated sales, which comprised a total of $72.2 million in sales included in the Hubei Henglong segment (Note 33)). At December 31, 2018 and 2017, approximately 6.2% and 4.3% of accounts receivable were from trade transactions with the aforementioned customer(accounting for more than 10% of consolidated sales). 30. Related Party Transactions The Company’s related party transactions include product sales, material purchases, and sales and purchases of equipment and technology. Thesetransactions were consummated at fair market price and under similar terms as those with the Company's customers and suppliers. Related party transactions during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, are as shown below (figures are in thousands of USD): Merchandise Sold to Related Parties Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Beijing Henglong $31,291 $31,089 Xiamen Automotive Parts 5,739 6,042 Wuhan Tongkai 455 290 Shanghai Jinjie 119 161 Hubei Wiselink 2 - Jingzhou Yude - 1 Total $37,606 $37,583 Rental Income Obtained from Related Parties Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Rental Income $375 $147 96Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Materials Sold to Related Parties Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Honghu Changrun $637 $575 Jingzhou Yude 636 711 Jingzhou Tongying 279 288 Jiangling Tongchuang - 27 Beijing Henglong - 2 Other Related Parties 1 2 Total $1,553 $1,605 Materials Purchased from Related Parties Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Jingzhou Tongying $9,091 $11,078 Jiangling Tongchuang 7,066 7,930 Wuhan Tongkai 6,849 7,454 Honghu Changrun 1,665 1,157 Hubei Wiselink 884 1,374 Other Related Parties 3 1 Total $25,558 $28,994 Technology and Services Purchased from Related Parties (R&D Expenses) Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Changchun Hualong $496 $454 Jingzhou Yude 263 117 Jingzhou Tongying 42 - Jingzhou Derun 25 46 Hubei Wiselink 7 507 Hubei Asta 2 10 Jiulong Machinery - 25 Total $835 $1,159 Property, Plant and Equipment Purchased from Related Parties Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Hubei Wiselink $5,281 $9,113 Henglong Real Estate 2 - Total $5,283 $9,113 97Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, accounts receivable, other receivables, accounts payable and advance payments between the Company and relatedparties are as shown below (figures are in thousands of USD): Accounts and Notes Receivable from Related Parties December 31, 2018 2017 Beijing Henglong $13,640 $13,533 Xiamen Automotive Parts 2,527 2,601 Jingzhou Yude 1,398 1,559 Xiamen Joylon 1,129 1,186 Shanghai Jinjie 91 101 Wuhan Tongkai 40 90 Jingzhou Tongying - 16 Total $18,825 $19,086 Accounts and Notes Payable to Related Parties December 31, 2018 2017 Jingzhou Tongying $1,199 $2,720 Wuhan Tongkai 1,081 2,259 Hubei Wiselink 914 1,379 Jiangling Tongchuang 584 739 Wuhan Dida 355 - Honghu Changrun 325 57 Shanghai Tianxiang 11 12 Jingzhou Yude 8 2 Total $4,477 $7,168 Advance Payments for Property, Plant and Equipment to Related Parties December 31, 2018 2017 Hubei Wiselink $7,679 $5,158 Henglong Real Estate 1,044 106 Total $8,723 $5,264 Other Advance Payments and Others to Related Parties December 31, 2018 2017 Jingzhou WiseDawn $533 $- Honghu Changrun 470 481 Jingzhou Yude 120 - Changchun Hualong 73 76 Wuhan Tongkai 57 188 Henglong Real Estate - 19,895 Jingzhou Derun - 118 Other Related Parties 28 83 Total $1,281 $20,841 98Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. As of March 28, 2019, the date the Company issued the financial statements, Hanlin Chen, Chairman, owns 56.4% of the common stock of the Company andhas the effective power to control the vote on substantially all significant matters without the approval of other stockholders. 31. Commitments and Contingencies a.Legal proceedings On September 17, 2018, two purported stockholders of the Company filed a complaint under 8 Del. C. § 211, seeking a court order requiring the Company tohold a 2018 annual meeting of its stockholders. On September 27, 2018, the Company issued a press release announcing an annual stockholders meeting setfor December 5, 2018. On October 8, 2018, the Company moved to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim. On October 10, 2018, the Company filedits annual proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to its December 5, 2018 annual meeting, which was heldas scheduled. The case has been dismissed voluntarily. On January 7, 2019, three purported stockholders of the Company filed a stockholder derivative complaint on behalf of the Company against the Company’sdirectors Hanlin Chen, Qizhou Wu, Arthur Wong, Guangxun Xu and Robert Tung, alleging that they had (a) breached their fiduciary duties by approving andpaying excessive compensation to the non-employee directors of the Company, Arthur Wong, Guangxun Xu and Robert Tung, and (b) failed to make full andaccurate disclosure of all material information with respect to director qualification and director compensation paid in 2017 in the Company’s annual proxystatement on Schedule 14A filed on October 10, 2018. The directors have engaged their own counsel to answer this complaint. Management expects theimpact of the suit on the Company’s consolidated financial statements to be immaterial. Other than as described above, (a) the Company is not a party to any pending or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any threatened legal proceedingsand (b) no director, officer or affiliate of the Company, or owner of record of more than five percent of the securities of the Company, or any associate of anysuch director, officer or security holder is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company in reference to pending litigation. b. Commitments In addition to bank loans, notes payables and the related interest, the following table summarizes the Company’s non-cancelable commitments andcontingencies as of December 31, 2018 (figures are in thousands of USD): Payment Obligations by Period 2019 2020 2021 Thereafter Total Obligations for investment contracts (1) $10,782 $- $- $- $10,782 Obligations for purchasing and service 28,935 $3,274 - - 32,209 Total $39,717 $3,274 $- $- $42,991 (1)In May 2016, Hubei Henglong entered into an agreement with other parties to establish a venture capital fund, the “Chongqing Venture Fund”. Hubei Henglong has committed to make investments of RMB 120.0 million, equivalent to approximately $17.5 million, representing 17.1% ofChongqing Venture Fund’s shares. As of December 31, 2018, Hubei Henglong has completed a capital contribution of RMB 84.0 million,equivalent to approximately $12.2 million, representing 35.0% of Chongqing Venture Fund’s shares. According to the agreement, the remainingcapital commitment of RMB 36.0 million, equivalent to approximately $5.2 million, will be paid upon capital calls received from the ChongqingVenture Fund. In March 2018, Hubei Henglong entered into an agreement with other parties to establish a venture capital fund, the “Hubei Venture Fund”. HubeiHenglong has committed to make an investment of RMB 76.0 million, equivalent to approximately $11.1 million, in the Hubei Venture Fund inthree installments, representing 38% of the Hubei Venture Fund’s shares. As of December 31, 2018, Hubei Henglong has completed a capitalcontribution of RMB 38.0 million, equivalent to approximately $5.5 million. According to the agreement, the remaining capital commitment ofRMB 38.0 million, equivalent to approximately $5.5 million, will be paid upon capital calls received from the Hubei Venture Fund. 99Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. 32. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company did not have any transactions, obligations or relationships that could be considered off-balance sheetarrangements. 33. Segment Reporting The accounting policies of the product sectors are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that thedisaggregated financial results for the product sectors have been prepared using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner inwhich management internally disaggregates financial information for the purposes of assisting them in making internal operating decisions. Generally, theCompany evaluates performance based on stand-alone product sector operating income and accounts for inter segment sales and transfers as if the sales ortransfers were to third parties, at current market prices. As of December 31, 2018, the Company had 13 product sectors, six of which were principal profit makers and were reported as separate sectors and engagedin the production and sales of power steering (Henglong, Jiulong, Shenyang, Wuhu, Henglong KYB and Hubei Henglong), and one holding company(Genesis). The other seven sectors were engaged in the production and sale of sensor modular (USAI), automobile steering columns (Jielong), provision ofafter sales and R&D services (HLUSA), production and sale of power steering (Chongqing Henglong), trade (Brazil Henglong), manufacture and sales ofautomobile electronic systems and parts (Wuhan Chuguanjie) and research and development of intelligent automotive technology (Jingzhou Qingyan). As of December 31, 2017, the Company had 12 product sectors, five of which were principal profit makers and were reported as separate sectors and engagedin the production and sales of power steering (Henglong, Jiulong, Shenyang, Wuhu and Hubei Henglong), and one holding company (Genesis). The otherseven sectors were engaged in the production and sale of sensor modular (USAI), automobile steering column (Jielong), provision of after sales and R&Dservices (HLUSA), production and sale of power steering (Chongqing Henglong), trade (Brazil Henglong), manufacture and sale of automobile electronicsystems and parts (Wuhan Chuguanjie) and research and development of intelligent automotive technology (Jingzhou Qingyan). 100Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. The Company’s product sector information from continuing operations is as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Net Sales Net Income (Loss) Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Henglong $250,532 $279,706 $(469) $3,737 Jiulong 102,994 100,776 932 4,064 Shenyang 25,941 40,182 (148) 2,107 Wuhu 30,356 25,599 (1,067) 264 Hubei Henglong 123,237 92,293 8,957 10,416 Henglong KYB 23,423 - (6,560) - Other Entities 72,421 59,075 3,637 1,358 Total Segments 628,904 597,631 5,282 21,946 Corporate -　 - (3,150) (39,069)Eliminations (132,746) (98,568) (2,053) (1,516)Total consolidated $496,158 499,063 $79 $(18,639) Depreciation and Amortization Capital Expenditures Year Ended December 31, Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Henglong $4,633 $4,721 $6,622 $4,183 Jiulong 2,876 2,901 3,439 3,477 Shenyang 595 605 610 1,265 Wuhu 617 597 256 81 Hubei Henglong 6,003 5,500 15,513 21,309 Henglong KYB 187 - 6,089 - Other Entities 1,863 1,991 2,558 3,600 Total Segments 16,774 16,315 35,087 33,915 Corporate 42 56 - - Eliminations - - (6,050) - Total consolidated $16,816 $16,371 $29,037 $33,915 Total Assets December 31, 2018 2017 Henglong $305,311 $346,199 Jiulong 81,063 82,940 Shenyang 36,728 44,693 Wuhu 32,763 26,008 Hubei Henglong 358,445 318,422 Henglong KYB 63,364 - Other Entities 96,881 88,850 Total Segments 974,555 907,112 Corporate 81,218 121,756 Eliminations (365,274) (311,499)Total consolidated $690,499 $717,369 101Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Financial information segregated by geographic region is as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Net Sales (1) Long-term assets Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2018 2017 2018 2017 Geographic region: China $354,749 $383,415 $177,870 $169,346 United States 113,124 84,240 770 797 Other foreign countries 28,285 31,408 490 596 Total consolidated $496,158 $499,063 $179,130(2) $170,739(2) (1)Revenue is attributed to each country based on location of customers. (2)Pursuant to ASC 280-10-50-41, the deferred tax assets of $15.3 million and $13.4 million and the intangible assets, net of $0.6 million and $0.7 millionwere excluded from long-term assets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. 102Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit Number Description 3.1(i) Certificate of Incorporation (incorporated by reference from the filing on Form 10KSB File No. 000-33123) 3.1(ii) Bylaws (incorporated by reference from the Form 10KSB for the year ended December 31, 2002) 10.5 Joint-venture Agreement, dated March 31, 2006, as amended on May 2, 2006, between Great Genesis Holdings Limited and Wuhu CheryTechnology Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to the exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report on May 10, 2006) 10.20 Translation of the Equity Transfer Agreement dated March 31, 2008 in English (incorporated by reference to exhibit 99.1 of theCompany’s Form 8-K filed on April 2, 2008) 10.21 English Translation of the Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Venture Contract dated January 24, 2010 between Great Genesis Holdings Limitedand Beijing Hainachuan Auto Parts Co., Ltd. (incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2009 filed on March 25, 2010) 21 Schedule of Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements of the Company in this AnnualReport on Form 10-K) 23.1 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers ZhongTian LLP* 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification* 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a) Certification* 32.1 Section 1350 Certification* 32.2 Section 1350 Certification* 101* The following materials from the China Automotive Systems, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018,filed on March 28, 2019, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i)Consolidated Balance Sheets;(ii)Consolidated Statements of Income;(iii)Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income;(iv)Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity;(v)Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and(vi)Related Notes. *Filed herewith. 103 Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No.333-126959) of China Automotive Systems, Inc. of ourreport dated March 28, 2019 relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appears in this Form 10-K. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers ZhongTian LLP PricewaterhouseCoopers ZhongTian LLP Shanghai, People’s Republic of China March 28, 2019 Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Exhibit 31.1 RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION FOR FORM 10-K (CEO) I, Qizhou Wu, certify that: 1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of China Automotive Systems, Inc.; 2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make thestatements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by thisreport; 3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects thefinancial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined inExchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others withinthose entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under oursupervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements forexternal purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about theeffectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s mostrecent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likelyto materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to theregistrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which arereasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internalcontrols over financial reporting. Date: March 28, 2019By:/s/ Qizhou Wu Qizhou Wu Chief Executive Officer Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Exhibit 31.2 RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION FOR FORM 10-K (CFO) I, Jie Li, certify that: 1.I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of China Automotive Systems, Inc.; 2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make thestatements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by thisreport; 3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects thefinancial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined inExchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision,to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others withinthose entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under oursupervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements forexternal purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about theeffectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s mostrecent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likelyto materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5.The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to theregistrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which arereasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internalcontrols over financial reporting. Date: March 28, 2019By:/s/ Jie Li Jie Li Chief Financial Officer Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Exhibit 32.1 SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION (CEO) CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TOSECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Annual Report of China Automotive Systems, Inc., the “Company,” on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed withthe Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, the “Report,” I, Qizhou Wu, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and President of the Company,certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: March 28, 2019By:/s/ Qizhou Wu Qizhou Wu Chief Executive Officer Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results. Exhibit 32.2 SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION (CFO) CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, INC. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TOSECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the Annual Report of China Automotive Systems, Inc., the “Company,” on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, as filed withthe Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof, the “Report,” I, Jie Li, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C.Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1)The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2)The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. Date: March 28, 2019By:/s/ Jie Li Jie Li Chief Financial Officer Source: CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC, 10-K, March 28, 2019Powered by Morningstar® Document Research℠The information contained herein may not be copied, adapted or distributed and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. The user assumes all risks for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information,except to the extent such damages or losses cannot be limited or excluded by applicable law. Past financial performance is no guarantee of future results.

Continue reading text version or see original annual report in PDF format above