China auto producers monitoring theft case

SHANGHAI: Beijing Autos, a Chinese company that employed a former Ford Motor engineer arrested in the United States for allegedly stealing trade secrets, said yesterday it is watching the case, but relies on its own designs and technology.

The statement issued by Beijing Automotive was the first official comment from China about the Oct 14 arrest of Yu Xiangdong, also known as Mike Yu, on allegations he copied thousands of electronic documents and stole trade secrets before quitting Ford Motor Co in early 2007.

"Beijing Automotive Holding Co has always respected and sought to protect intellectual property rights. In its independent research and development process, it has always stressed the cultivation of its own innovation capabilities and is committed to research and development of its own brand autos," it said.