China Automotive Systems Achieves ASPICE 4.0 CL2 Certification for EPS Platform

China Automotive Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAAS), a leading provider of power steering components in China, has made significant strides in enhancing its engineering credentials. Recently, the company announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group, successfully underwent a joint assessment conducted by a prominent European automaker and the international third-party agency, UL. This assessment verified that Henglong has achieved ASPICE 4.0 Capability Level 2 (CL2), positioning the company as a competitive player in the automotive sector.

The rigorous ASPICE (Automotive SPICE) standards are crucial benchmarks for evaluating the development processes within the automotive electronics industry. Meeting ASPICE CL2 signifies that Henglong has successfully demonstrated effective management and control of its research and development (R&D) processes concerning automotive software and hardware. This accomplishment highlights their end-to-end R&D capabilities for power steering systems, showcasing a commitment to quality and operational excellence.

This achievement also extends to the Electric Power Steering (EPS) program developed on the AP04 platform, which was part of the comprehensive evaluation and also attained ASPICE CL2. This milestone is particularly important as it prepares the EPS program for planned mass production targeted for the European market by the end of 2026. The evaluation encompassed 19 core process areas, including systems engineering, software engineering, hardware engineering, project management, and various supportive processes.

Henglong’s successful assessment underscores its adherence to high-quality standards which are increasingly demanded by leading European automobile manufacturers. These notable achievements enable the company to deliver robust automotive platform solutions, ensuring a competitive edge in the challenging landscape of automotive electronics.

Mr. Qizhou Wu, the Chief Executive Officer of CAAS, commented on this notable accomplishment, expressing confidence in their engineering processes. He stated that the validation of their procedures by both a leading European OEM and UL proves the company’s capabilities are disciplined, repeatable, and hold global competitiveness. These validated processes not only facilitate Henglong’s readiness for the upcoming mass production but also lay a scalable foundation for future platform programs with clients worldwide.

Furthermore, Henglong’s commitment to quality has not gone unnoticed. The subsidiary’s products have met various R&D testing requirements set forth by a major automobile manufacturer in China, securing the developmental rights for vehicle models based on its R-EPS (Rack-type Electric Power Steering) platform. This advanced platform signifies a noteworthy transition from traditional hydraulic steering systems to integrated electric motors paired with mechanical reduction systems, revolutionizing the steering experience in modern vehicles.

In summary, China Automotive Systems is reinforcing its position as a key player in the power steering market with its achievements in R&D certifications and collaborations. The successful attainment of ASPICE CL2 not only reflects the significant expertise within Henglong’s engineering teams but also supports its strategic direction towards expanding into European automotive markets. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, China Automotive Systems remains steadfast in delivering innovative solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

For more information about China Automotive Systems, visit their official website and explore their range of steering system parts, which are indispensable to various leading auto manufacturers both in China and internationally.