China's Role in the World Auto Components Market

Consumption of Chinese-made Auto Components
by Category, 2004 and 2009
($ Millions)

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

• In 2004, Chinas automotive components industry had total sales of about $28.8 billion. Rising at an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 15%, sales will reach $58 billion.
• The industry made great progress during the period from 1995 to 2003, rising at an AAGR of 23.7%.
• Given the countrys low labor costs and expected improvements in quality, additional plans for greatly increased Chinese automotive components purchasing by vehicle manufacturers and suppliers are generating rising concerns by worldwide suppliers and manufacturers.

INTRODUCTION

A normal automotive product is roughly composed of 14,000 parts that again can be divided into other structural and mechanical subsystems. The auto components industry is made up of establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing motor vehicle parts and accessories (except motorcycle components).

This BCC report presents a detailed analysis of current and future automotive components markets in China. Chinas domestic automotive components industry still is very fragmented with thousands of companies producing, in many cases, substandard components. Foreign vehicle manufacturers feel that the quality of local parts suppliers must be drastically improved. The modernization of Chinas auto components industry also will require greater technology transfer from foreign companies to their Chinese partners.

As foreign vehicle makers stake their claims in China, so, too, have international components suppliers such as Delphi, Bridgestone and Bosch. Strong demand for vehicles in China has led to a corresponding increase in the level of auto components. American and European components suppliers have been leading the charge, but with Japanese and South Korean car makers setting up recent joint ventures in China, more components players are expected.

Among the segments covered are: engine parts, chassis parts, body parts, auto electrical systems and auto general parts. Market projections are provided for the period 2004 through 2009.

SCOPE OF STUDY

The report contains:

• An overview of the auto components industry, its importance and historical review
• An overview of the end-user industry that drives the development of the auto components industry
• Analyses of the Chinese market by production, importing and exporting, consumption and participants for engine parts, chassis parts, body parts, electrical systems and general parts with forecasts through 2009
• Examination of government regulations
• Historical technology development, key science and technology development plans and major patents.

METHODOLOGY AND INFORMATION SOURCES

The material presented is based on extensive reviews of secondary sources such as technical papers, industry conferences, trade publications, industry associations, company literature and government data such as customs statistics and auto industry yearbooks.

Final analyses and projections are based on a consensus of secondary sources combined with BCCs understanding of the impact of trends from a historical perspective.

All dollar data presented in this report are based on the exchange rate: U.S. $1=RMB 8.27 (also referred to as Yuan).