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Brose expects good times ahead

Brose China is expecting to double its revenue from Chinese domestic automakers in the next five years, the company announced at its Changchun plant's 10th anniversary ceremony in Jilin province.

The Changchun plant generated about 2.5 billion yuan ($374.29 million) in revenue last year, and Brose China, which is now celebrating its 20th year, contributed 21 percent of the group's revenue.

The Brose plant covers the company's entire range of products, including door systems, seat systems, cooling fan modules and closure systems, supplying FAW-Volkswagen, BMW Brilliance, Toyota, Nissan, Great Wall, and more.

Xiang Jie, president of Brose China Co Ltd, told China Daily: "We are working on message functions especially tailored for Chinese market."

Jeep Renegade SUVs recalled

GAC Fiat Chrysler will recall 2,509 locally produced sport utility vehicles in China due to defective circuit boards, the country's top quality watchdog announced on Thursday.

The recall, set to begin on Sept 23, affects 2016 Jeep Renegades manufactured between June 5 and July 27, according to the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The defective electronic control module causes malfunctions in the head lights or horns which could possibly be a safety risk.

The joint venture is going to contact the customers involved and will replace the defective parts free of charge.

Daimler explores use of drones

Daimler is spending about 500 million euros ($562 million) over the next five years to develop new business models for its vans segment, including last mile delivery services by drone.

The company is also moving beyond a business model based on the idea of ownership and is looking at a pay-as-you-use systems, which include short-term rental of vans by the hour.

Ford enjoys record demand in August

Ford Motor Co has announced it sold its millionth vehicle in Asia-Pacific in 2016. Ford's sales in the Asia-Pacific have continued to strengthen this year, culminating with record demand in August.

The automaker sold 126,834 vehicles in the Asia-Pacific region in August, up 22 percent on a year ago, for a total market share in the region of 4.1 percent, Ford's highest share ever for any single month.

The introduction of the Ford Mustang has created a sensation in Asian markets including China, Australia, India and the Republic of Korea. And the new Ford Edge has become a hot seller in China, with year-to-date sales up threefold since its introduction last year.

(China Daily 09/12/2016 page19)