China Automotive Systems (CAAS) 10-Q 11 May 17 2017 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	May 11, 2017
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	CHINA AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC
Entity Central Index Key	1,157,762
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Smaller Reporting Company
Trading Symbol	CAAS
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,644,004

Condensed Unaudited Consolidate

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net product sales ($9,538 and $8,585 sold to related parties for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016)	$ 119,308	$ 116,854
Cost of products sold ($7,363 and $6,875 purchased from related parties for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016)	97,679	95,842
Gross profit	21,629	21,012
Gain on other sales	788	801
Less: Operating expenses
Selling expenses	4,068	4,305
General and administrative expenses	4,354	4,315
Research and development expenses	6,765	6,139
Total operating expenses	15,187	14,759
Income from operations	7,230	7,054
Other expense, net	(254)	(644)
Interest expense	(231)	(196)
Financial income, net	332	322
Income before income tax expenses and equity in earnings of affiliated companies	7,077	6,536
Less: Income taxes	1,190	1,053
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies	51	62
Net income	5,938	5,545
Net income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	224	(164)
Net income attributable to parent company's common shareholders	5,714	5,709
Comprehensive income:
Net income	5,938	5,545
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation gain, net of tax	1,629	1,650
Comprehensive income	7,567	7,195
Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	278	(85)
Comprehensive income attributable to parent company	$ 7,289	$ 7,280
Net income attributable to parent company’s common shareholders per share
Basic - (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Diluted- (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	31,644,004	32,121,019
Diluted (in shares)	31,649,908	32,123,588

Condensed Unaudited Consolidat3

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income [Parenthetical] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenue from Related Parties	$ 9,538	$ 8,585
Related Party Costs	$ 7,363	$ 6,875

Condensed Unaudited Consolidat4

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$ 31,303	$ 31,092
Pledged cash		33,586	30,799
Short-term investments		28,208	30,475
Accounts and notes receivable, net - unrelated parties		284,608	285,731
Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties		21,308	20,984
Advance payments and others - unrelated parties		9,123	10,203
Advance payments and others - related parties		29,957	624
Inventories		69,051	68,050
Current deferred tax assets		7,872	7,946
Total current assets		515,016	485,904
Non-current assets:
Long-term time deposits		870	865
Property, plant and equipment, net	[1],[2]	104,050	101,478
Intangible assets, net		576	617
Other receivables, net - unrelated parties		2,298	2,252
Advance payment for property, plant and equipment - unrelated parties		14,168	14,506
Advance payment for property, plant and equipment - related parties		2,326	5,005
Long-term investments		16,572	16,431
Non-current deferred tax assets		4,815	4,641
Total assets		660,691	631,699
Current liabilities:
Bank and government loans		69,163	40,820
Accounts and notes payable - unrelated parties		217,194	216,993
Accounts and notes payable - related parties		5,893	6,803
Customer deposits		824	700
Accrued payroll and related costs		6,577	6,971
Accrued expenses and other payables		34,848	35,882
Accrued pension costs		3,907	4,130
Taxes payable		7,623	11,674
Amounts due to shareholders/directors		315	312
Advances payable (current portion)		384	382
Current deferred tax liabilities		163	193
Total current liabilities		346,891	324,860
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term bank loan		0	608
Advances payable		341	339
Total liabilities		347,232	325,807
Commitments and Contingencies (See Note 29)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.0001 par value - Authorized - 80,000,000 shares; Issued -32,338,302 and 32,338,302 shares as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively		3	3
Additional paid-in capital		64,764	64,764
Retained earnings-
Appropriated		10,549	10,549
Unappropriated		234,677	228,963
Accumulated other comprehensive income		683	(892)
Treasury stock - 694,298 and 694,298 shares as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively		(2,907)	(2,907)
Total parent company stockholders' equity		307,769	300,480
Non-controlling interests		5,690	5,412
Total stockholders' equity		313,459	305,892
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$ 660,691	$ 631,699
[1]	Depreciation charges were $4.1 million and $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[2]	During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, nil and $1.2 million, respectively, of government subsidies were recorded as a reduction of the cost of property, plant and equipment.

Condensed Unaudited Consolidat5

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets [Parenthetical] - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	80,000,000	80,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	32,338,302	32,338,302
Treasury stock, shares	694,298	694,298

Condensed Unaudited Consolidat6

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 5,938	$ 5,545
Adjustments to reconcile net income from operations to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,189	3,805
Reversal of provision for doubtful accounts	(19)	(54)
Inventory write downs	813	1,414
Deferred income taxes	(63)	347
Equity in earnings of affiliated companies	(51)	(62)
(Gain)/loss on fixed assets disposals	17	(3)
(Increase)/decrease in:
Pledged cash	(2,618)	8,089
Accounts and notes receivable	2,480	(23,347)
Advance payments and others	52	(3,145)
Inventories	(1,444)	(6,242)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts and notes payable	(1,592)	12,495
Customer deposits	123	(26)
Accrued payroll and related costs	(431)	(172)
Accrued expenses and other payables	(1,467)	91
Accrued pension costs	(247)	265
Taxes payable	(3,318)	(1,362)
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities	2,362	(2,362)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Increase in other receivables	20	94
Cash received from property, plant and equipment sales	26	515
Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment (including $493 and $3,464 paid to related parties for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)	(3,245)	(9,825)
Payments to acquire intangible assets	0	(3)
Purchase of short-term investments	0	(7,814)
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments	2,433	553
Loan to a related party	(29,044)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(29,810)	(16,480)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from bank and government loans	27,754	6,500
Repayments of bank and government loans	(245)	(2,265)
Net cash provided by financing activities	27,509	4,235
Effects of exchange rate on cash and cash equivalents	150	330
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	211	(14,277)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	31,092	69,676
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	31,303	55,399
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for interest	173	116
Cash paid for income taxes	325	719
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Property, plant and equipment recorded during the period for which there previously were advance payments	6,360	4,736
Accounts payable for acquiring property, plant and equipment	$ 610	$ 442

Condensed Unaudited Consolidat7

Condensed Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Parenthetical] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 3,245	$ 9,825
Related Party [Member]
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment	$ 493	$ 3,464

Organization and business

Organization and business	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Business [Text Block]	1. Organization and business China Automotive Systems, Inc., “China Automotive,” was incorporated in the State of Delaware on June 29, 1999 under the name Visions-In-Glass, Inc. China Automotive, including, when the context so requires, its subsidiaries and the joint ventures described below, is referred to herein as the “Company.” The Company is primarily engaged in the manufacture and sale of automotive systems and components, as described below. Great Genesis Holdings Limited, a company incorporated in Hong Kong on January 3, 2003 under the Companies Ordinance in Hong Kong as a limited liability company, “Genesis,” is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Henglong USA Corporation, “HLUSA,” incorporated on January 8, 2007 in Troy, Michigan, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and mainly engages in marketing of automotive parts in North America, and provides after-sales service and research and development support accordingly. Percentage Interest March 31, December 31, Name of Entity 2017 2016 Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co., Ltd., “Jiulong” 1 100.00 % 100.00 % Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co., Ltd., “Henglong” 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 % Wuhan Jielong Electric Power Steering Co., Ltd., “Jielong” 5 85.00 % 85.00 % Wuhu Henglong Automotive Steering System Co., Ltd., “Wuhu” 6 77.33 % 77.33 % 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 % Beijing Hainachun Henglong Automotive Steering System Co., Ltd., “Beijing Henglong” 9 50.00 % 50.00 % Chongqing Henglong Hongyan Automotive System Co., Ltd., “Chongqing Henglong” 10 70.00 % 70.00 % CAAS Brazil’s Imports and Trade In Automotive Parts Ltd., “Brazil Henglong” 11 80.00 % 80.00 % Fujian Qiaolong Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd., “Fujian Qiaolong” 12 0.00 % 0.00 % Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd., “Wuhan Chuguanjie” 13 85.00 % 85.00 % Hubei Henglong Group Shanghai Automotive Electronics Research and Development Ltd., “Shanghai Henglong” 14 100.00 % 100.00 % 1. Jiulong was established in 1993 and mainly engages in the production of integral power steering gears for heavy-duty vehicles. 2. Henglong was established in 1997 and mainly engages in the production of rack and pinion power steering gears for cars and light 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. Jielong was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automotive steering columns. 6. Wuhu was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automobile steering systems. 7. On March 7, 2007, Genesis established Hubei Henglong, formerly known as Jingzhou Hengsheng Automotive System Co., Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiary, to engage in the production and sales of automotive steering systems. On July 8, 2012, Hubei Henglong changed its name to Hubei Henglong Automotive 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 new products. 9. Beijing Henglong was established in 2010 and mainly engages in the design, development and manufacture of both hydraulic and electric power steering systems and parts. According to the joint venture agreement, the Company does not have voting control of Beijing Henglong. Therefore, the Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include Beijing Henglong, and such investment is accounted for using the equity accounting method. 10. 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. 11. On August 21, 2012, Brazil Henglong was established as a Sino-foreign joint venture company by Hubei Henglong and two Brazilian citizens, Ozias Gaia Da Silva and Ademir Dal’ Evedove. Brazil Henglong engages mainly in the import and sales of automotive parts in Brazil. 12. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired a 51.0 51 20.0 3.0 0.7 13. In May 2014, together with Hubei Wanlong, Jielong formed a subsidiary, Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd., “Wuhan Chuguanjie”, which mainly engages in research and development, manufacture and sales of automobile electronic systems and parts. Wuhan Chuguanjie is located in Wuhan, China. 14. In January 2015, Hubei Henglong formed Hubei Henglong Group Shanghai Automotive Electronics Research and Development Ltd., “Shanghai Henglong”, which mainly engages in the design and sales of automotive electronics.

Basis of presentation and signi

Basis of presentation and significant accounting policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	2. Basis of presentation and significant accounting policies (a) Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation – The accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The details of subsidiaries are disclosed in Note 1. Significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. The condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions in Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by such accounting principles for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but in the opinion of the Company’s management, contain all necessary adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments, for a fair statement of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is derived from the Company’s audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, although the Company’s management believes that the disclosures contained in these financial statements are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. For further information, please refer to the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. Estimation - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Foreign Currencies - China Automotive, the parent company, and HLUSA maintain their books and records in United States Dollars, “USD,” their functional currency. The Company’s subsidiaries based in the PRC and Genesis maintain their books and records in Renminbi, “RMB,” their functional currency. The Company’s subsidiary based in Brazil maintains its books and records in Brazilian reais, “BRL,” its functional currency. In accordance with ASC Topic 830, “FASB Accounting Standards Codification”, foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date for monetary items. Nonmonetary items 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. (b) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04: Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the Board eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity should apply the amendments in this Update on a prospective basis. An entity is required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition. A public business entity that is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer should adopt the amendments in this Update for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. (c) Significant Accounting Policies There have been no updates to the significant accounting policies set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Short-term investments

Short-term investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Short Term Investments Disclosure [Abstract]
Short Term Investments Disclosure [Text Block]	3. Short-term investments Short-term investments comprise time deposits with terms of three months or more which are due 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. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had pledged short-term investments of RMB 39.9 5.8

Accounts and notes receivable,

Accounts and notes receivable, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounts and Notes Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]
Accounts and Notes Receivable Disclosure [Text Block]	4. Accounts and notes receivable, net The Company’s accounts and notes receivable as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts receivable - unrelated parties $ 145,253 $ 154,403 Notes receivable - unrelated parties (1) (2) 140,439 132,409 Total accounts and notes receivable - unrelated parties 285,692 286,812 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - unrelated parties (1,084) (1,081) Accounts and notes receivable, net - unrelated parties 284,608 285,731 Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties 21,308 20,984 Accounts and notes receivable, net $ 305,916 $ 306,715 (1) Notes receivable represent accounts receivable in the form of bills of exchange for which acceptances are guaranteed and settlements are handled by banks. (2) As of March 31, 2017, the Company collateralized its notes receivable in an amount of RMB 249.5 36.2 224.5 32.5 30.0 25.0 3.6 As of December 31, 2016, the Company collateralized its notes receivable in an amount of RMB 249.9 36.0 224.6 32.4 30.0 25.2 3.6

Advance payments and others

Advance payments and others	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Advance Payments And Others Disclosure [Text Block]	5. Advance payments and others March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Advance payments and others - unrelated parties $ 9,123 $ 10,203 Advance payments and others - related parties (1) 29,957 624 Total advance payments and others 39,080 10,827 (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 RMB 200 28.8 6.35

Inventories

Inventories	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	6. Inventories The Company’s inventories as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Raw materials $ 16,039 $ 15,007 Work in process 14,006 10,852 Finished goods 39,006 42,191 Total $ 69,051 $ 68,050 Provision for inventories amounted to $ 0.8 1.4

Other receivables, net

Other receivables, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Receivables Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]	7. Other receivables, net March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Other receivables - unrelated parties (1) $ 885 $ 738 Other receivables - employee housing loans (2) 1,477 1,577 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - unrelated parties (64) (63) Other receivables, net - unrelated parties $ 2,298 $ 2,252 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Other receivables - related parties (1) $ 546 $ 559 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - related parties (546) (559) Other receivables, net - related parties $ - $ - (1) Other receivables consist of amounts advanced to both related and unrelated parties, primarily as unsecured demand loans. These receivables originate 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 RMB 50.0 7.5 3.8

Long-term time deposits

Long-term time deposits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block]	8. Long-term time deposits Long-term time deposits are time deposits with maturities of longer than one year. Time deposits with original maturities of longer than one year but due within the next 12 months are included in short-term investments. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, short-term investments include $ 4.8 4.8 As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had pledged long-term time deposits of RMB 6.0 0.9

Long-term investments

Long-term investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Long-term Investments [Abstract]
Long-Term Investments [Text Block]	9. Long-term investments On January 24, 2010, the Company invested $ 3.1 50 3.8 3.8 On September 22, 2014, Hubei Henglong entered into an agreement with other parties to establish a venture capital fund, the “Venture Fund”, which mainly focuses on investments in emerging automobiles and parts industries. As of March 31, 2017, Hubei Henglong has completed a capital contribution of RMB 35.0 5.3 14.7 5.4 5.3 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 18.0 17.1 48.0 7.0 23.5 6.8 6.8 In October 2016, Hubei Henglong invested RMB 3.0 0.4 30 0.4 The Company’s consolidated financial statements reflect the net income of non-consolidated affiliates of $ 0.1 0.1

Property, plant and equipment,

Property, plant and equipment, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	10. Property, plant and equipment, net March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Land use rights and buildings $ 47,751 $ 47,448 Machinery and equipment 137,966 134,361 Electronic equipment 5,188 4,979 Motor vehicles 4,439 4,395 Construction in progress 27,980 24,890 Total amount of property, plant and equipment 223,324 216,073 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1) (119,274) (114,595) Total amount of property, plant and equipment, net (2)(3) $ 104,050 $ 101,478 (1) As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company pledged property, plant and equipment with a net book value of approximately $ 27.4 28.5 (2) Depreciation charges were $ 4.1 3.6 (3) During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, nil and $ 1.2 (4) Interest costs capitalized for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were $ 0.1 0.1

Intangible assets

Intangible assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	11. Intangible assets March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Costs: Patent technology $ 1,997 $ 1,986 Management software license 1,172 1,165 Total intangible assets 3,169 3,151 Less: Accumulated amortization (1) (2,593) (2,534) Total intangible assets, net $ 576 $ 617 (1) Amortization expenses were $ 0.1 0.2

Deferred income tax assets

Deferred income tax assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred Income Tax Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	12. Deferred income tax assets In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”, March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Losses carry forward (U.S.) (1) $ 6,122 $ 6,216 Losses carry forward (Non-U.S.) (1) 2,998 2,887 Product warranties and other reserves 4,738 4,766 Property, plant and equipment 4,340 4,204 Share-based compensation 247 247 Bonus accrual 184 231 Other accruals 1,558 1,551 Deductible temporary difference related to revenue recognition - 191 Others 1,468 1,206 Total deferred tax assets 21,655 21,499 Less: taxable temporary difference related to revenue recognition (77) - Total deferred tax assets, net 21,578 21,499 Less: Valuation allowance (8,891) (8,912) Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance (2) $ 12,687 $ 12,587 (1) The net operating losses carry forward for the U.S. entities for income tax purposes are available to reduce future years' taxable income. These carry forward losses will expire, if not utilized, at various times over the next 20 5 8.9 6.4 2.5 (2) Approximately $ 4.8 4.6 7.9 6.6

Bank and government loans

Bank and government loans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-term Debt [Text Block]	13. Bank and government loans March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Short-term bank loans (1) $ 2,174 $ 2,162 Short-term bank loans (2) (3) (4) 35,665 35,054 Short-term bank loans (5) 27,700 - Short-term government loan (6) 3,624 3,604 Bank and government loans $ 69,163 $ 40,820 (1) These loans are secured by property, plant and equipment of the Company and are repayable within one year (See Note 10). As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate was 5.3 5.2 (2) On May 18, 2012, the Company entered into a credit facility agreement, the “Credit Agreement,” with ICBC Macau to obtain a non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $ 30.0 November 3, 2012 31.6 On May 22, 2012, the Company drew down the full amount of $ 30.0 31.6 224.5 32.5 0.1 0.1 May 12, 2017 1.85 (3) On July 16, 2014, Great Genesis entered into a credit facility agreement with HSBC HK to obtain a non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $ 5.0 July 1, 2015 1.7 5.4 On July 22, 2014, Great Genesis drew down a loan amounting to $ 5.0 5.4 33.0 4.8 On July 7, 2016, HSBC HK agreed to extend the maturity date of the HSBC Credit Facility to July 1, 2017. Hubei Henglong provided a Standby Letter of Credit in an amount of $ 5.1 36.0 5.2 1.95 (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 October 27, 2017 0.1 On May 6, 2016, Brazil Henglong drew down a loan amounting to $ 0.1 October 9, 2017 8.2 0.1 0.5 0.1 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 $ 0.6 January 15, 2018 0.9 0.6 3.9 0.9 6.0 (5) On September 26, 2016, Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of $ 25.5 September 26, 2017 4.7 4.7 4.4 4.99 On September 26, 2016, Hubei Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of $ 15.0 September 26, 2017 4.2 4.2 5.5 4.99 (6) On March 31, 2015, the Company received a Chinese government loan of RMB 25.0 3.9 2.5 April 20, 2016 1.5 25.0 3.6

Accounts and notes payable

Accounts and notes payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounts and Notes Payable Disclosure [Abstract]
Accounts and Notes Payable Disclosure [Text Block]	14. Accounts and notes payable March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts payable - unrelated parties $ 129,682 $ 138,053 Notes payable - unrelated parties (1) 87,512 78,940 Accounts and notes payable - unrelated parties 217,194 216,993 Accounts and notes payable - related parties 5,893 6,803 Balance at end of period $ 223,087 $ 223,796 (1) Notes payable represent accounts payable in the form of notes issued by the Company. The notes are endorsed by banks to ensure that noteholders will be paid after maturity. The Company has pledged cash deposits, short-term investments, notes receivable and certain property, plant and equipment to secure notes payable granted by banks.

Accrued expenses and other paya

Accrued expenses and other payables	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accrued Expenses and Other Payables Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses and Other Payables Disclosure [Text Block]	15. Accrued expenses and other payables March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accrued expenses $ 7,824 $ 8,605 Accrued interest 220 88 Other payables 1,066 964 Warranty reserves (1) 25,738 26,225 Total $ 34,848 $ 35,882 (1) The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties when the products are sold. Such estimates of product warranties are based on, among other 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. (2) In January 2017, the Company initiated two recalls related to the Company’s products. The Company has accrued anticipated costs for handling the recalls amounting to $5 million in warranty reserves for the year ended December 31, 2016. Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 26,225 $ 23,059 $ 23,059 Additions during the period 3,076 1,795 16,522 Settlement within period, by cash or actual materials (3,419) (1,551) (11,781) Foreign currency translation loss (144) (116) (1,575) Balance at end of the period $ 25,738 $ 23,187 $ 26,225

Taxes payable

Taxes payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Taxes Payables [Abstract]
Taxes Payable [Text Block]	16. Taxes payable March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Value-added tax payable $ 2,876 $ 7,662 Income tax payable 4,172 3,390 Other tax payable 575 622 Total $ 7,623 $ 11,674

Advances payable

Advances payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Advances Payable [Text Block]	17. Advances payable As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, advances payable by the Company were $ 0.7 0.7 The amounts are special subsidies made by the Chinese government to the Company to offset the costs and charges related to the improvement of production capacities and improvement of the quality of products. For the government subsidies with no further conditions to be met, the amounts are recorded as other income when received; for the amounts with certain operating conditions, the government subsidies are recorded as advances payable when received and will be recorded as a deduction of related expenses and cost when the conditions are met. The balances are unsecured, interest-free and will be repayable to the Chinese government if the usage of such advance does not continue to qualify for the subsidy.

Additional paid-in capital

Additional paid-in capital	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Additional Paid in Capital [Abstract]
Additional Paid in Capital [Text Block]	18. Additional paid-in capital Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 64,764 $ 64,627 $ 64,627 Share-based compensation (1) - - 137 Balance at end of the period $ 64,764 $ 64,627 $ 64,764 (1) On December 2, 2016, the Company granted 22,500 Issuance Date Expected volatility Risk-free rate Expected term (years) Dividend yield December 2, 2016 134.80 % 1.84 % 5 0.00 % The stock options granted during 2016 were exercisable immediately. Their fair value on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $ 0.1 0.1

Retained earnings

Retained earnings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Retained Earnings Note Disclosure [Abstract]
Retained Earnings Disclosure [Text Block]	19. Retained earnings Appropriated Pursuant to the relevant PRC laws, the profits distribution of the Company’s Sino-foreign subsidiaries, which are based on their PRC statutory financial statements, 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 previous years, and made appropriations to statutory surplus at 10 When the statutory surplus reserve reaches 50 10.0 4.2 35.0 8.1 67.5 2.6 6.0 3.8 30.0 39.0 9.5 60.0 Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 10,549 $ 10,379 $ 10,379 Appropriation of retained earnings - - 170 Balance at end of the period $ 10,549 $ 10,379 $ 10,549 Unappropriated Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 228,963 $ 206,622 $ 206,622 Net income attributable to parent company 5,714 5,709 22,511 Appropriation of retained earnings - - (170) Balance at end of the period $ 234,677 $ 212,331 $ 228,963

Accumulated other comprehensive

Accumulated other comprehensive income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Noncontrolling Interest [Text Block]	20. Accumulated other comprehensive income Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ (892) $ 18,412 $ 18,412 Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to parent company 1,575 1,573 (19,304) Balance at end of the period $ 683 $ 19,985 $ (892)

Treasury stock

Treasury stock	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Treasury Stock [Text Block]	21. 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 for under the cost method. On December 18, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a share repurchase program under which the Company was permitted to repurchase up to $ 5.0 477,015 1.9

Non-controlling interests

Non-controlling interests	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Noncontrolling Interest Disclosure [Text Block]	22. Non-controlling interests Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 5,412 $ 8,252 $ 8,252 Income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests 224 (165) 466 Dividends declared to the non-controlling interest holders of joint-venture companies - - (464) Change of non-controlling interests change due to disposal of Fujian Qiaolong - - (2,150) Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to non-controlling interests 54 79 (692) Balance at end of the period $ 5,690 $ 8,166 $ 5,412

Gain on other sales

Gain on other sales	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Gain on other sales [Abstract]
Gain on other sales [Text Block]	23. Gain on other sales Gain on other sales mainly consisted of net amount retained from sales of materials, property, plant and equipment, and scraps. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, gain on other sales amounted to $ 0.8 0.8

Financial income, net

Financial income, net	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Financial Income Expenses Disclosure [Abstract]
Financial Income Expenses Disclosure [Text Block]	24. Financial income, net Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Interest income $ 481 $ 424 Foreign exchange (loss)/gain, net (29) 14 Gain of cash discount, net - 3 Bank fees (120) (119) Total financial income, net $ 332 $ 322

Income tax rate

Income tax rate	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	25. Income tax rate 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 Pursuant to the New China Income Tax Law and the Implementing Rules, “New CIT”, which became effective as of January 1, 2008, dividends generated after January 1, 2008 and payable by a foreign-invested enterprise to its foreign investors will be subject to a 10 Genesis, the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary and the direct holder of the equity interests in the Company’s subsidiaries in China, is incorporated in Hong Kong. According to the Mainland China and Hong Kong Taxation Arrangement, dividends paid by a foreign-invested enterprise in China to its direct holding company in Hong Kong will be subject to withholding tax at a rate of no more than 5 According to PRC tax regulation, the Company should withhold income taxes for the profits distributed from the PRC subsidiaries to Genesis, the subsidiaries’ holding company incorporated in Hong Kong. For the profits that the PRC subsidiaries intended to distribute to Genesis, the Company accrues the withholding income tax as deferred tax liabilities. As of March 31, 2017, the Company has recognized deferred tax liabilities of $ 0.2 3.9 246.4 239.8 12.3 12.0 In 2014, Jiulong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it is subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15 In 2014, Henglong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it is subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15 In 2009, Shenyang was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15 15 15 In 2012, Wuhu was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15 15 In 2013, Jielong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise” and, based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15% for 2013, 2014 and 2015. In 2016, the Company passed the re-assessment of the government based on PRC income tax laws. Accordingly, it continues to be taxed at the 15% tax rate from 2016 to 2018. In 2011, Hubei Henglong was awarded the title of “High & New Technology Enterprise”. Based on the PRC income tax law, it was subject to enterprise income tax at a rate of 15 15 15 According to the New CIT, USAI and Testing Center are subject to income tax at a rate of 25 Chongqing Henglong was established in 2012. According to the New CIT, Chongqing Henglong is subject to income tax at a uniform rate of 25 Based on Brazilian income tax laws, Brazil Henglong is subject to income tax at a uniform rate of 15 10 0.12 0.24 The profits tax rate of Hong Kong is 16.5 The enterprise income tax rate of the United States is 35 The Company’s effective tax rate was 16.8 16.1

Income per share

Income per share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	26. Income per share Basic income per share is computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is computed using the weighted average number of ordinary shares and dilutive ordinary share equivalents outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of outstanding stock options is determined based on the treasury stock method. Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income attributable to the parent company’s common shareholders – Basic and Diluted $ 5,714 $ 5,709 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding 31,644,004 32,121,019 Dilutive effects of stock options 5,904 2,569 Denominator for dilutive income per share – Diluted 31,649,908 32,123,588 Net income per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders – Basic $ 0.18 $ 0.18 Net income per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders – Diluted $ 0.18 $ 0.18 As of March 31, 2017 and 2016, the exercise prices for 90,000 82,500

Significant concentrations

Significant concentrations	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]	27. 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 entities to 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 "current account" transactions without pre-approval. However, pursuant to applicable regulations, foreign-invested enterprises in China may pay dividends only out of their accumulated profits, if any, determined in accordance with the PRC law. In calculating accumulated profits, foreign investment enterprises in China are required to allocate at least 10 50 Transactions other than those that fall under the "current account" and that involve conversion of RMB into foreign currency are classified as "capital account" transactions; examples of "capital account" transactions include repatriations of investment by or loans to foreign owners, or direct equity investments in a foreign entity by a China domiciled entity. "Capital account" transactions require prior approval from China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange, or SAFE, or its provincial branch to convert a remittance into a foreign currency, such as USD, and transmit the foreign currency outside 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 or profits, if any, outside China. Furthermore, SAFE has a significant degree of administrative discretion in implementing the laws and has used this discretion to 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 the Chinese macroeconomic prospects or any number of other reasons, China could impose additional restrictions on capital remittances abroad. As a result of these and other restrictions under the laws and regulations of the PRC, the Company’s PRC subsidiaries are restricted in their ability to transfer a portion of their net assets to the parent. The Company has no assurance that the relevant Chinese governmental authorities in the future will not limit further or eliminate the ability of the Company’s PRC subsidiaries to purchase foreign currencies and transfer such funds to the Company 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. The Company grants credit to its customers including Xiamen Joylon, Xiamen Automotive Parts, Shanghai Fenglong and Jingzhou Yude, which are related parties of the Company. The Company’s customers are mostly located in the PRC. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company’s ten largest customers accounted for 62.9 12.9 5.1 During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company’s ten largest customers accounted for 67.1 12.4 12.1 13.8 10

Related party transactions and

Related party transactions and balances	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]	28. Related party transactions and balances Related sales Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Merchandise sold to related parties $ 9,538 $ 8,585 Rental income obtained from related parties 14 31 Materials and others sold to related parties 300 223 Total $ 9,852 $ 8,839 Related purchases Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Materials purchased from related parties $ 7,363 $ 6,875 Equipment purchased from related parties 3,012 2,515 Others purchased from related parties 267 265 Total $ 10,642 $ 9,655 Loan transaction to a related party Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Related party loan $ 29,044 $ - Related receivables March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts and notes receivable from related parties $ 21,308 $ 20,984 Total $ 21,308 $ 20,984 Related advances and loan balance March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Advance payments for property, plant and equipment to related parties $ 2,326 $ 5,005 Advance payments and others to related parties 29,957 624 Total $ 32,283 $ 5,629 Related payables March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts and notes payable $ 5,893 $ 6,803 These transactions were consummated under similar terms as those with the Company's third party customers and suppliers. As of May 11, 2017, Hanlin Chen, the Company’s Chairman, owns 56.4

Commitments and contingencies

Commitments and contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	29. Commitments and contingencies Legal proceedings The Company is not a party to any pending or, to the best of the Company’s knowledge, any threatened legal proceedings. In addition, 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 any such 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. Other commitments and contingencies Payment obligations by period 2017 (1) 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Obligations for investment contracts (1) (2) 7,392 $ 5,218 $ - $ - $ - $ 12,610 Obligations for purchasing and service agreements 18,245 2,891 731 - - 21,867 Total $ 25,637 8,109 731 - - 34,477 (1) On September 22, 2014, Hubei Henglong entered into an agreement with other parties to establish the Venture Fund, under which Hubei Henglong has committed to make investments of RMB 50.0 7.2 35.0 5.1 14.7 15.0 2.2 (2) 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 17.4 17.1 48.0 7.0 23.5 72.0 10.4

Off-balance sheet arrangements

Off-balance sheet arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements Disclosure [Abstract]
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements Disclosure [Text Block]	30. Off-balance sheet arrangements As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company did not have any significant transactions, obligations or relationships that could be considered off-balance sheet arrangements.

Segment reporting

Segment reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	Segment reporting The accounting policies of the product sectors are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies except that the disaggregated financial results for the product sectors have been prepared using a management approach, which is consistent with the basis and manner in which management internally disaggregates financial information for the purposes of assisting them in making internal operating decisions. Generally, the Company evaluates performance based on stand-alone product sector operating income and accounts for inter segment sales and transfers as if the sales or transfers were to third parties, at current market prices. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had 11 product sectors, five of which were principal profit makers and were reported as separate sectors and engaged in the production and sales of power steering (Henglong, Jiulong, Shenyang, Wuhu and Hubei Henglong), and one holding company (Genesis). The other six sectors were engaged in the production and sale of sensor modular (USAI), automobile steering columns (Jielong), provision of after sales and R&D services (HLUSA), production and sale of power steering (Chongqing Henglong), trade (Brazil Henglong), and manufacture and sales of automobile electronic systems and parts (Wuhan Chuguanjie). Since the revenues, net income and net assets of these six sectors collectively are less than 10 As of March 31, 2016, the Company had 12 product sectors, five of which were principal profit makers and were reported as separate sectors and engaged in the production and sales of power steering (Henglong, Jiulong, Shenyang, Wuhu 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 of after sales and R&D services (HLUSA), production and sale of power steering (Chongqing Henglong), trade (Brazil Henglong), commercial vehicle repacking and sales (Fujian Qiaolong), and manufacture and sales of automobile electronic systems and parts (Wuhan Chuguanjie). Since the revenues, net income and net assets of these seven sectors collectively are less than 10 Net Product Sales Net Income (Loss) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended March 31 March 31 2017 2016 2017 2016 Henglong $ 70,834 $ 75,893 $ 3,319 $ 5,715 Jiulong 22,287 16,740 1,390 27 Shenyang 8,003 7,221 462 52 Wuhu 6,108 5,379 (70) (72) Hubei Henglong 18,134 14,378 238 (30) Other Sectors 12,711 11,155 642 454 Total Segments 138,077 130,766 5,981 6,146 Corporate - - (168) (441) Eliminations (18,769) (13,912) 125 (160) Total $ 119,308 $ 116,854 $ 5,938 $ 5,545

Basis of presentation and sig39

Basis of presentation and significant accounting policies (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(a) Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation – The accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. The details of subsidiaries are disclosed in Note 1. Significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated upon consolidation. The condensed unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions in Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by such accounting principles for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The accompanying interim condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited, but in the opinion of the Company’s management, contain all necessary adjustments, which include normal recurring adjustments, for a fair statement of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is derived from the Company’s audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements that have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, although the Company’s management believes that the disclosures contained in these financial statements are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. For further information, please refer to the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. Estimation - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Foreign Currencies - China Automotive, the parent company, and HLUSA maintain their books and records in United States Dollars, “USD,” their functional currency. The Company’s subsidiaries based in the PRC and Genesis maintain their books and records in Renminbi, “RMB,” their functional currency. The Company’s subsidiary based in Brazil maintains its books and records in Brazilian reais, “BRL,” its functional currency. In accordance with ASC Topic 830, “FASB Accounting Standards Codification”, foreign currency transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are remeasured into the functional currency at the rate of exchange prevailing at the balance sheet date for monetary items. Nonmonetary items 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.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	(b) Recent Accounting Pronouncements In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04: Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. To simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, the Board eliminated Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the amendments in this Update, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity should apply the amendments in this Update on a prospective basis. An entity is required to disclose the nature of and reason for the change in accounting principle upon transition. A public business entity that is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filer should adopt the amendments in this Update for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Significant Accounting Policies [Policy Text Block]	(c) Significant Accounting Policies There have been no updates to the significant accounting policies set forth in the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Organization and business (Tabl

Organization and business (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block]	Percentage Interest March 31, December 31, Name of Entity 2017 2016 Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co., Ltd., “Jiulong” 1 100.00 % 100.00 % Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co., Ltd., “Henglong” 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 % Wuhan Jielong Electric Power Steering Co., Ltd., “Jielong” 5 85.00 % 85.00 % Wuhu Henglong Automotive Steering System Co., Ltd., “Wuhu” 6 77.33 % 77.33 % 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 % Beijing Hainachun Henglong Automotive Steering System Co., Ltd., “Beijing Henglong” 9 50.00 % 50.00 % Chongqing Henglong Hongyan Automotive System Co., Ltd., “Chongqing Henglong” 10 70.00 % 70.00 % CAAS Brazil’s Imports and Trade In Automotive Parts Ltd., “Brazil Henglong” 11 80.00 % 80.00 % Fujian Qiaolong Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd., “Fujian Qiaolong” 12 0.00 % 0.00 % Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd., “Wuhan Chuguanjie” 13 85.00 % 85.00 % Hubei Henglong Group Shanghai Automotive Electronics Research and Development Ltd., “Shanghai Henglong” 14 100.00 % 100.00 % 1. Jiulong was established in 1993 and mainly engages in the production of integral power steering gears for heavy-duty vehicles. 2. Henglong was established in 1997 and mainly engages in the production of rack and pinion power steering gears for cars and light 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. Jielong was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automotive steering columns. 6. Wuhu was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automobile steering systems. 7. On March 7, 2007, Genesis established Hubei Henglong, formerly known as Jingzhou Hengsheng Automotive System Co., Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiary, to engage in the production and sales of automotive steering systems. On July 8, 2012, Hubei Henglong changed its name to Hubei Henglong Automotive 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 new products. 9. Beijing Henglong was established in 2010 and mainly engages in the design, development and manufacture of both hydraulic and electric power steering systems and parts. According to the joint venture agreement, the Company does not have voting control of Beijing Henglong. Therefore, the Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include Beijing Henglong, and such investment is accounted for using the equity accounting method. 10. 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. 11. On August 21, 2012, Brazil Henglong was established as a Sino-foreign joint venture company by Hubei Henglong and two Brazilian citizens, Ozias Gaia Da Silva and Ademir Dal’ Evedove. Brazil Henglong engages mainly in the import and sales of automotive parts in Brazil. 12. In the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired a 51.0 51 20.0 3.0 0.7 13. In May 2014, together with Hubei Wanlong, Jielong formed a subsidiary, Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd., “Wuhan Chuguanjie”, which mainly engages in research and development, manufacture and sales of automobile electronic systems and parts. Wuhan Chuguanjie is located in Wuhan, China. 14. In January 2015, Hubei Henglong formed Hubei Henglong Group Shanghai Automotive Electronics Research and Development Ltd., “Shanghai Henglong”, which mainly engages in the design and sales of automotive electronics.

Accounts and notes receivable41

Accounts and notes receivable, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounts and Notes Receivable Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	The Company’s accounts and notes receivable as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts receivable - unrelated parties $ 145,253 $ 154,403 Notes receivable - unrelated parties (1) (2) 140,439 132,409 Total accounts and notes receivable - unrelated parties 285,692 286,812 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - unrelated parties (1,084) (1,081) Accounts and notes receivable, net - unrelated parties 284,608 285,731 Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties 21,308 20,984 Accounts and notes receivable, net $ 305,916 $ 306,715 (1) Notes receivable represent accounts receivable in the form of bills of exchange for which acceptances are guaranteed and settlements are handled by banks. (2) As of March 31, 2017, the Company collateralized its notes receivable in an amount of RMB 249.5 36.2 224.5 32.5 30.0 25.0 3.6 As of December 31, 2016, the Company collateralized its notes receivable in an amount of RMB 249.9 36.0 224.6 32.4 30.0 25.2 3.6

Advance payments and others (Ta

Advance payments and others (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Receivables [Abstract]
Schedule Of Advance Payments And Others Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The Company’s advance payments and others as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following: March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Advance payments and others - unrelated parties $ 9,123 $ 10,203 Advance payments and others - related parties (1) 29,957 624 Total advance payments and others 39,080 10,827 (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 RMB 200 28.8 6.35

Inventories (Tables)

Inventories (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	The Company’s inventories as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 consisted of the following (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Raw materials $ 16,039 $ 15,007 Work in process 14,006 10,852 Finished goods 39,006 42,191 Total $ 69,051 $ 68,050

Other receivables, net (Tables)

Other receivables, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Other Receivables Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Other Receivables [Table Text Block]	The Company’s other receivables as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Other receivables - unrelated parties (1) $ 885 $ 738 Other receivables - employee housing loans (2) 1,477 1,577 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - unrelated parties (64) (63) Other receivables, net - unrelated parties $ 2,298 $ 2,252 March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Other receivables - related parties (1) $ 546 $ 559 Less: allowance for doubtful accounts - related parties (546) (559) Other receivables, net - related parties $ - $ - (1) Other receivables consist of amounts advanced to both related and unrelated parties, primarily as unsecured demand loans. These receivables originate 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 RMB 50.0 7.5 3.8

Property, plant and equipment45

Property, plant and equipment, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]	The Company’s property, plant and equipment as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Land use rights and buildings $ 47,751 $ 47,448 Machinery and equipment 137,966 134,361 Electronic equipment 5,188 4,979 Motor vehicles 4,439 4,395 Construction in progress 27,980 24,890 Total amount of property, plant and equipment 223,324 216,073 Less: Accumulated depreciation (1) (119,274) (114,595) Total amount of property, plant and equipment, net (2)(3) $ 104,050 $ 101,478 (1) As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company pledged property, plant and equipment with a net book value of approximately $ 27.4 28.5 (2) Depreciation charges were $ 4.1 3.6 (3) During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, nil and $ 1.2 (4) Interest costs capitalized for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were $ 0.1 0.1

Intangible assets (Tables)

Intangible assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Impaired Intangible Assets [Table Text Block]	The Company’s intangible assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Costs: Patent technology $ 1,997 $ 1,986 Management software license 1,172 1,165 Total intangible assets 3,169 3,151 Less: Accumulated amortization (1) (2,593) (2,534) Total intangible assets, net $ 576 $ 617 (1) Amortization expenses were $ 0.1 0.2

Deferred income tax assets (Tab

Deferred income tax assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The components of estimated deferred income tax assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Losses carry forward (U.S.) (1) $ 6,122 $ 6,216 Losses carry forward (Non-U.S.) (1) 2,998 2,887 Product warranties and other reserves 4,738 4,766 Property, plant and equipment 4,340 4,204 Share-based compensation 247 247 Bonus accrual 184 231 Other accruals 1,558 1,551 Deductible temporary difference related to revenue recognition - 191 Others 1,468 1,206 Total deferred tax assets 21,655 21,499 Less: taxable temporary difference related to revenue recognition (77) - Total deferred tax assets, net 21,578 21,499 Less: Valuation allowance (8,891) (8,912) Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance (2) $ 12,687 $ 12,587 (1) The net operating losses carry forward for the U.S. entities for income tax purposes are available to reduce future years' taxable income. These carry forward losses will expire, if not utilized, at various times over the next 20 5 8.9 6.4 2.5 (2) Approximately $ 4.8 4.6 7.9 6.6

Bank and government loans (Tabl

Bank and government loans (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block]	March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Short-term bank loans (1) $ 2,174 $ 2,162 Short-term bank loans (2) (3) (4) 35,665 35,054 Short-term bank loans (5) 27,700 - Short-term government loan (6) 3,624 3,604 Bank and government loans $ 69,163 $ 40,820 (1) These loans are secured by property, plant and equipment of the Company and are repayable within one year (See Note 10). As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate was 5.3 5.2 (2) On May 18, 2012, the Company entered into a credit facility agreement, the “Credit Agreement,” with ICBC Macau to obtain a non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $ 30.0 November 3, 2012 31.6 On May 22, 2012, the Company drew down the full amount of $ 30.0 31.6 224.5 32.5 0.1 0.1 May 12, 2017 1.85 (3) On July 16, 2014, Great Genesis entered into a credit facility agreement with HSBC HK to obtain a non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $ 5.0 July 1, 2015 1.7 5.4 On July 22, 2014, Great Genesis drew down a loan amounting to $ 5.0 5.4 33.0 4.8 On July 7, 2016, HSBC HK agreed to extend the maturity date of the HSBC Credit Facility to July 1, 2017. Hubei Henglong provided a Standby Letter of Credit in an amount of $ 5.1 36.0 5.2 1.95 (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 October 27, 2017 0.1 On May 6, 2016, Brazil Henglong drew down a loan amounting to $ 0.1 October 9, 2017 8.2 0.1 0.5 0.1 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 $ 0.6 January 15, 2018 0.9 0.6 3.9 0.9 6.0 (5) On September 26, 2016, Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of $ 25.5 September 26, 2017 4.7 4.7 4.4 4.99 On September 26, 2016, Hubei Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of $ 15.0 September 26, 2017 4.2 4.2 5.5 4.99 (6) On March 31, 2015, the Company received a Chinese government loan of RMB 25.0 3.9 2.5 April 20, 2016 1.5 25.0 3.6

Accounts and notes payable (Tab

Accounts and notes payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Accounts and Notes Payable Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Accounts and Notes Payable [Table Text Block]	The Company’s accounts and notes payable as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts payable - unrelated parties $ 129,682 $ 138,053 Notes payable - unrelated parties (1) 87,512 78,940 Accounts and notes payable - unrelated parties 217,194 216,993 Accounts and notes payable - related parties 5,893 6,803 Balance at end of period $ 223,087 $ 223,796 (1) Notes payable represent accounts payable in the form of notes issued by the Company. The notes are endorsed by banks to ensure that noteholders will be paid after maturity. The Company has pledged cash deposits, short-term investments, notes receivable and certain property, plant and equipment to secure notes payable granted by banks.

Accrued expenses and other pa50

Accrued expenses and other payables (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The Company’s accrued expenses and other payables as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accrued expenses $ 7,824 $ 8,605 Accrued interest 220 88 Other payables 1,066 964 Warranty reserves (1) 25,738 26,225 Total $ 34,848 $ 35,882 (1) The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties when the products are sold. Such estimates of product warranties are based on, among other 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. (2) In January 2017, the Company initiated two recalls related to the Company’s products. The Company has accrued anticipated costs for handling the recalls amounting to $5 million in warranty reserves for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the warranties activities were as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 26,225 $ 23,059 $ 23,059 Additions during the period 3,076 1,795 16,522 Settlement within period, by cash or actual materials (3,419) (1,551) (11,781) Foreign currency translation loss (144) (116) (1,575) Balance at end of the period $ 25,738 $ 23,187 $ 26,225

Taxes payable (Tables)

Taxes payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Taxes Payables [Abstract]
Schedule Of Income Taxes Payable [Table Text Block]	The Company’s taxes payable as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Value-added tax payable $ 2,876 $ 7,662 Income tax payable 4,172 3,390 Other tax payable 575 622 Total $ 7,623 $ 11,674

Additional paid-in capital (Tab

Additional paid-in capital (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Additional Paid in Capital [Abstract]
Schedule Of Additional Paid In Capital [Table Text Block]	The Company’s positions in respect of the amounts of additional paid-in capital for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the year ended December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 64,764 $ 64,627 $ 64,627 Share-based compensation (1) - - 137 Balance at end of the period $ 64,764 $ 64,627 $ 64,764 (1) On December 2, 2016, the Company granted 22,500
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the stock options on the grant dates are as follows: Issuance Date Expected volatility Risk-free rate Expected term (years) Dividend yield December 2, 2016 134.80 % 1.84 % 5 0.00 %

Retained earnings (Tables)

Retained earnings (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Retained Earnings Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Appropriated Retained Earnings [Table Text Block]	The Company’s activities in respect of the amounts of appropriated retained earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the year ended December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 10,549 $ 10,379 $ 10,379 Appropriation of retained earnings - - 170 Balance at end of the period $ 10,549 $ 10,379 $ 10,549
Schedule of Unappropriated Retained Earnings [Table Text Block]	The Company’s activities in respect of the amounts of the unappropriated retained earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the year ended December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 228,963 $ 206,622 $ 206,622 Net income attributable to parent company 5,714 5,709 22,511 Appropriation of retained earnings - - (170) Balance at end of the period $ 234,677 $ 212,331 $ 228,963

Accumulated other comprehensi54

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]	The Company’s activities in respect of the amounts of the accumulated other comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the year ended December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ (892) $ 18,412 $ 18,412 Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to parent company 1,575 1,573 (19,304) Balance at end of the period $ 683 $ 19,985 $ (892)

Non-controlling interests (Tabl

Non-controlling interests (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Schedule Of Non Controlling Interests Disclosure [Table Text Block]	The Company’s activities in respect of the amounts of the non-controlling interests’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and the year ended December 31, 2016 are summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Year Ended Three Months Ended March 31, December 31, 2017 2016 2016 Balance at beginning of the period $ 5,412 $ 8,252 $ 8,252 Income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests 224 (165) 466 Dividends declared to the non-controlling interest holders of joint-venture companies - - (464) Change of non-controlling interests change due to disposal of Fujian Qiaolong - - (2,150) Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to non-controlling interests 54 79 (692) Balance at end of the period $ 5,690 $ 8,166 $ 5,412

Financial income, net (Tables)

Financial income, net (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Financial Income Expenses Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule Of Financial Expenses [Table Text Block]	During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company recorded financial income, net which is summarized as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Interest income $ 481 $ 424 Foreign exchange (loss)/gain, net (29) 14 Gain of cash discount, net - 3 Bank fees (120) (119) Total financial income, net $ 332 $ 322

Income per share (Tables)

Income per share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The calculation of basic and diluted income per share attributable to the parent company for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was (figures are in thousands of USD, except share and per share amounts): Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Numerator: Net income attributable to the parent company’s common shareholders – Basic and Diluted $ 5,714 $ 5,709 Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding 31,644,004 32,121,019 Dilutive effects of stock options 5,904 2,569 Denominator for dilutive income per share – Diluted 31,649,908 32,123,588 Net income per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders – Basic $ 0.18 $ 0.18 Net income per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders – Diluted $ 0.18 $ 0.18

Related party transactions an58

Related party transactions and balances (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Schedule Of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]	Related party transactions are as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Related sales Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Merchandise sold to related parties $ 9,538 $ 8,585 Rental income obtained from related parties 14 31 Materials and others sold to related parties 300 223 Total $ 9,852 $ 8,839 Related purchases Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Materials purchased from related parties $ 7,363 $ 6,875 Equipment purchased from related parties 3,012 2,515 Others purchased from related parties 267 265 Total $ 10,642 $ 9,655 Loan transaction to a related party Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Related party loan $ 29,044 $ - Related receivables March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts and notes receivable from related parties $ 21,308 $ 20,984 Total $ 21,308 $ 20,984 Related advances and loan balance March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Advance payments for property, plant and equipment to related parties $ 2,326 $ 5,005 Advance payments and others to related parties 29,957 624 Total $ 32,283 $ 5,629 Related payables March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Accounts and notes payable $ 5,893 $ 6,803

Commitments and contingencies (

Commitments and contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule [Table Text Block]	In addition to the bank loans, notes payables and the related interest, the following table summarizes the Company’s major commitments and contingencies as of March 31, 2017 (figures are in thousands of USD): Payment obligations by period 2017 (1) 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Total Obligations for investment contracts (1) (2) 7,392 $ 5,218 $ - $ - $ - $ 12,610 Obligations for purchasing and service agreements 18,245 2,891 731 - - 21,867 Total $ 25,637 8,109 731 - - 34,477 (1) On September 22, 2014, Hubei Henglong entered into an agreement with other parties to establish the Venture Fund, under which Hubei Henglong has committed to make investments of RMB 50.0 7.2 35.0 5.1 14.7 15.0 2.2 (2) 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 17.4 17.1 48.0 7.0 23.5 72.0 10.4

Segment reporting (Tables)

Segment reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments [Table Text Block]	The Company’s product sector information for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, is as follows (figures are in thousands of USD): Net Product Sales Net Income (Loss) Three Months Ended Three Months Ended March 31 March 31 2017 2016 2017 2016 Henglong $ 70,834 $ 75,893 $ 3,319 $ 5,715 Jiulong 22,287 16,740 1,390 27 Shenyang 8,003 7,221 462 52 Wuhu 6,108 5,379 (70) (72) Hubei Henglong 18,134 14,378 238 (30) Other Sectors 12,711 11,155 642 454 Total Segments 138,077 130,766 5,981 6,146 Corporate - - (168) (441) Eliminations (18,769) (13,912) 125 (160) Total $ 119,308 $ 116,854 $ 5,938 $ 5,545

Organization and business (Deta

Organization and business (Details)		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016		Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2014
Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[1]	100.00%		100.00%
Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[2]	100.00%		100.00%
Shenyang Jinbei Henglong Automotive Steering System Co Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[3]	70.00%		70.00%
Universal Sensor Application Inc [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[4]	83.34%		83.34%
Wuhan Jielong Electric Power Steering Co Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[5]	85.00%		85.00%
Wuhu Henglong Auto Steering System Co Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[6]	77.33%		77.33%
Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[7]	100.00%		100.00%
Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Technology (Testing) Center [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[8]	100.00%		100.00%
Beijing Hainachun Henglong Automotive Steering System Co., Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[9]	50.00%		50.00%
Chongqing Henglong Hongyan Automotive System Co., Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[10]	70.00%		70.00%
CAAS Brazil's Imports and Trade In Automotive Parts Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[11]	80.00%		80.00%
Fujian Qiaolong Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest		0.00%	[12]	0.00%	[12]	51.00%	51.00%
Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[13]	85.00%		85.00%
Hubei Henglong Group Shanghai Automotive Electronics Research and Development Ltd [Member]
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Percentage Interest	[14]	100.00%		100.00%
[1]	Jiulong was established in 1993 and mainly engages in the production of integral power steering gears for heavy-duty vehicles.
[2]	Henglong was established in 1997 and mainly engages in the production of rack and pinion power steering gears for cars and light 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]	Jielong was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automotive steering columns.
[6]	Wuhu was established in 2006 and mainly engages in the production and sales of automobile steering systems.
[7]	On March 7, 2007, Genesis established Hubei Henglong, formerly known as Jingzhou Hengsheng Automotive System Co., Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiary, to engage in the production and sales of automotive steering systems. On July 8, 2012, Hubei Henglong changed its name to Hubei Henglong Automotive 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 new products.
[9]	Beijing Henglong was established in 2010 and mainly engages in the design, development and manufacture of both hydraulic and electric power steering systems and parts. According to the joint venture agreement, the Company does not have voting control of Beijing Henglong. Therefore, the Company’s consolidated financial statements do not include Beijing Henglong, and such investment is accounted for using the equity accounting method.
[10]	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.
[11]	On August 21, 2012, Brazil Henglong was established as a Sino-foreign joint venture company by Hubei Henglong and two Brazilian citizens, Ozias Gaia Da Silva and Ademir Dal’ Evedove. Brazil Henglong engages mainly in the import and sales of automotive parts in Brazil.
[12]	In the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired a 51.0% ownership interest in Fujian Qiaolong Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd., “Fujian Qiaolong”, a special purpose vehicle manufacturer and dealer with automobile repacking qualifications, based in Fujian, China. Fujian Qiaolong mainly manufactures and distributes drainage and rescue vehicles with mass flow, drainage vehicles with vertical downhole operation, crawler-type mobile pump stations, high-altitude water supply and discharge drainage vehicles, long-range control crawler-type mobile pump stations and other vehicles. On April 17, 2016, Hubei Henglong entered into a share purchase agreement, the “Share Purchase Agreement”, with Longyan Huanyu Emergency Equipment Technology Co., Ltd., “Longyan Huanyu”. Pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, Hubei Henglong transferred its 51% equity interests in Fujian Qiaolong to Longyan Huanyu for total consideration of RMB 20.0 million, equivalent to $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2016. The Company recognized a gain on disposal of Fujian Qiaolong of $0.7 million, which is included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2016.
[13]	In May 2014, together with Hubei Wanlong, Jielong formed a subsidiary, Wuhan Chuguanjie Automotive Science and Technology Ltd., “Wuhan Chuguanjie”, which mainly engages in research and development, manufacture and sales of automobile electronic systems and parts. Wuhan Chuguanjie is located in Wuhan, China.
[14]	In January 2015, Hubei Henglong formed Hubei Henglong Group Shanghai Automotive Electronics Research and Development Ltd., “Shanghai Henglong”, which mainly engages in the design and sales of automotive electronics.

Organization and business (De62

Organization and business (Details Textual) - Fujian Qiaolong Acquisition [Member] ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2017	[1]	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization And Principal Activities [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	51.00%	51.00%	0.00%	[1]	0.00%		51.00%
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses	$ 3	¥ 20
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business			$ 0.7
[1]	In the second quarter of 2014, the Company acquired a 51.0% ownership interest in Fujian Qiaolong Special Purpose Vehicle Co., Ltd., “Fujian Qiaolong”, a special purpose vehicle manufacturer and dealer with automobile repacking qualifications, based in Fujian, China. Fujian Qiaolong mainly manufactures and distributes drainage and rescue vehicles with mass flow, drainage vehicles with vertical downhole operation, crawler-type mobile pump stations, high-altitude water supply and discharge drainage vehicles, long-range control crawler-type mobile pump stations and other vehicles. On April 17, 2016, Hubei Henglong entered into a share purchase agreement, the “Share Purchase Agreement”, with Longyan Huanyu Emergency Equipment Technology Co., Ltd., “Longyan Huanyu”. Pursuant to the Share Purchase Agreement, Hubei Henglong transferred its 51% equity interests in Fujian Qiaolong to Longyan Huanyu for total consideration of RMB 20.0 million, equivalent to $3.0 million in the second quarter of 2016. The Company recognized a gain on disposal of Fujian Qiaolong of $0.7 million, which is included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Short-term investments (Details

Short-term investments (Details Textual) - Mar. 31, 2017 ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	CNY (¥)
Time Deposits	$ 5.8	¥ 39.9

Accounts and notes receivable64

Accounts and notes receivable, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Accounts receivable - unrelated parties		$ 145,253	$ 154,403
Notes receivable - unrelated parties	[1],[2]	140,439	132,409
Total accounts and notes receivable - unrelated parties		285,692	286,812
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts- unrelated parties		(1,084)	(1,081)
Accounts and notes receivable, net - unrelated parties		284,608	285,731
Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties		21,308	20,984
Accounts and notes receivable, net		$ 305,916	$ 306,715
[1]	As of March 31, 2017, the Company collateralized its notes receivable in an amount of RMB 249.5 million, equivalent to approximately $36.2 million, as security for the credit facilities with banks in China and the Chinese government, including RMB 224.5 million, equivalent to approximately $32.5 million, in favor of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Jingzhou Branch, “ICBC Jingzhou”, for the purpose of obtaining the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit (as defined in Note 14), which is used as security for the non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $30.0 million provided by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) Limited, “ICBC Macau”, and RMB 25.0 million, equivalent to approximately $3.6 million, as security in favor of the Chinese government for the low-interest government loan (See Note 14). As of December 31, 2016, the Company collateralized its notes receivable in an amount of RMB 249.9 million, equivalent to approximately $36.0 million, as security for the credit facilities with banks in China and the Chinese government, including RMB 224.6 million, equivalent to approximately $32.4 million, in favor of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Jingzhou Branch, “ICBC Jingzhou”, for the purpose of obtaining the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit (as defined in Note 14), which is used as security for the non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $30.0 million provided by Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Macau) Limited, “ICBC Macau”, and RMB 25.2 million, equivalent to approximately $3.6 million, as security in favor of the Chinese government for the low-interest government loan (See Note 14).
[2]	Notes receivable represent accounts receivable in the form of bills of exchange for which acceptances are guaranteed and settlements are handled by banks.

Accounts and notes receivable65

Accounts and notes receivable, net (Details Textual) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016CNY (¥)
Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Net	$ 36.2	¥ 249.5	$ 36
Non Revolving Credit Facility | $			30
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount | $	30
Henglongs Collateralization [Member]
Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Net | ¥				¥ 249.9
Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co Ltd [Member]
Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Net | ¥				224.6
ICBC Macau [Member]
Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Net	3.6	25	3.6	¥ 25.2
ICBC Jingzhou [Member]
Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Net	$ 32.5	¥ 224.5	$ 32.4

Advance payments and others (De

Advance payments and others (Details) - USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Advance payments and others - unrelated parties		$ 9,123	$ 10,203
Advance payments and others - related parties	[1]	29,957	624
Total advance payments and others		$ 39,080	$ 10,827
[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 RMB 200 million (equivalent to $28.8 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%.

Advance payments and others (67

Advance payments and others (Details Textual) $ in Thousands, ¥ in Millions	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
	Mar. 16, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 16, 2017CNY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)
Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties			$ 29,044	$ 0
Henglong Real Estate [Member]
Payments to Fund Long-term Loans to Related Parties	$ 28,800	¥ 200
Debt Instrument, Term	1 year	1 year
Related Party Transaction, Rate	6.35%	6.35%

Inventories (Details)

Inventories (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Inventory [Line Items]
Raw materials	$ 16,039	$ 15,007
Work in process	14,006	10,852
Finished goods	39,006	42,191
Total	$ 69,051	$ 68,050

Inventories (Details Textual)

Inventories (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Inventory [Line Items]
Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Adjustments	$ 0.8	$ 1.4

Other receivables, net (Details

Other receivables, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Unrelated Parties [Member]
Other Receivables [Line Items]
Other receivables	[1]	$ 885	$ 738
Other receivables - employee housing loans	[2]	1,477	1,577
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(64)	(63)
Other receivables, net		2,298	2,252
Related Party [Member]
Other Receivables [Line Items]
Other receivables	[1]	546	559
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts		(546)	(559)
Other receivables, net		$ 0	$ 0
[1]	Other receivables consist of amounts advanced to both related and unrelated parties, primarily as unsecured demand loans. These receivables originate 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 RMB 50.0 million (equivalent to approximately $7.5 million) to the employees of the Company to assist them in purchasing houses. Employees are required to pay interest at an annual rate of 3.8%. These loans are unsecured and the term of the loans is generally five years.

Other receivables, net (Detai71

Other receivables, net (Details Textual) - Board of Directors Chairman [Member] ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	May 28, 2014USD ($)	May 28, 2014CNY (¥)
Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Loans Assumed	$ 7.5	¥ 50
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.80%	3.80%

Long-term time deposits (Detail

Long-term time deposits (Details Textual) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016CNY (¥)
Pledged Assets, Not Separately Reported, Finance Receivables	$ 0.9	¥ 6	$ 0.9	¥ 6
Long-term Debt, Current Maturities	$ 4.8		$ 4.8

Long-term investments (Details

Long-term investments (Details Textual) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017CNY (¥)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017CNY (¥)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016USD ($)	Oct. 31, 2016CNY (¥)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2016CNY (¥)	Jan. 24, 2010USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Net income of non-consolidated affiliates		$ 0.1		$ 0.1
Hubei Henglong [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		$ 6.8				$ 6.8
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		23.50%			23.50%				17.10%	17.10%
Capital		$ 7			¥ 48		$ 0.4	¥ 3	$ 18	¥ 120
Chongqing Jinghua Automotive Intelligent ManufacturingTechnology Research Co Ltd [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		0.4
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage							30.00%	30.00%
Venture Capital Funds [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		$ 5.4				5.3
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage		14.70%			14.70%
Beijing Henglong Automotive System Co Ltd [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments		$ 3.8				$ 3.8					$ 3.1
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage											50.00%
Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co Ltd [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Partnership Contribution		$ 5.3	¥ 35
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	[1]	100.00%			100.00%	100.00%
[1]	On March 7, 2007, Genesis established Hubei Henglong, formerly known as Jingzhou Hengsheng Automotive System Co., Ltd., its wholly-owned subsidiary, to engage in the production and sales of automotive steering systems. On July 8, 2012, Hubei Henglong changed its name to Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co., Ltd.

Property, plant and equipment74

Property, plant and equipment, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total amount of property, plant and equipment		$ 223,324	$ 216,073
Less: Accumulated depreciation	[1]	(119,274)	(114,595)
Total amount of property, plant and equipment, net	[2],[3]	104,050	101,478
Land use rights and buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total amount of property, plant and equipment		47,751	47,448
Machinery and equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total amount of property, plant and equipment		137,966	134,361
Electronic equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total amount of property, plant and equipment		5,188	4,979
Motor vehicles [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total amount of property, plant and equipment		4,439	4,395
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Total amount of property, plant and equipment		$ 27,980	$ 24,890
[1]	As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company has pledged property, plant and equipment with a net book value of approximately $27.4 million and $28.5 million, respectively as security for its comprehensive credit facilities with banks in China.
[2]	Depreciation charges were $4.1 million and $3.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
[3]	During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, nil and $1.2 million, respectively, of government subsidies were recorded as a reduction of the cost of property, plant and equipment.

Property, plant and equipment75

Property, plant and equipment, net (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 4.1	$ 3.6
Pledged Assets Separately Reported, Loans Pledged for Other Debt Obligations, at Fair Value	27.4		$ 28.5
Subsidy On Property, Plant And Equipment Cost	0	1.2
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 0.1	$ 0.1

Intangible assets (Details)

Intangible assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Costs:
Patent technology		$ 1,997	$ 1,986
Management software license		1,172	1,165
Total intangible assets		3,169	3,151
Less: Accumulated amortization	[1]	(2,593)	(2,534)
Total intangible assets, net		$ 576	$ 617
[1]	Amortization expenses were $0.1 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Intangible assets (Details Text

Intangible assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization of Intangible Assets	$ 0.1	$ 0.2

Deferred income tax assets (Det

Deferred income tax assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Tax Assets [Line Items]
Losses carry forward (U.S.)	[1]	$ 6,122	$ 6,216
Losses carry forward (Non-U.S.)	[1]	2,998	2,887
Product warranties and other reserves		4,738	4,766
Property, plant and equipment		4,340	4,204
Share-based compensation		247	247
Bonus accrual		184	231
Other accruals		1,558	1,551
Deductible temporary difference related to revenue recognition		0	191
Others		1,468	1,206
Total deferred tax assets		21,655	21,499
Less: taxable temporary difference related to revenue recognition		(77)	0
Total deferred tax assets, net		21,578	21,499
Less: Valuation allowance		(8,891)	(8,912)
Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance	[2]	$ 12,687	$ 12,587
[1]	The net operating losses carry forward for the U.S. entities for income tax purposes are available to reduce future years' taxable income. These carry forward losses will expire, if not utilized, at various times over the next 20 years. Net operating losses carry forward for China entities can be carried forward for 5 years to offset taxable income. However, as of March 31, 2017, the valuation allowance was $8.9 million, including a $6.4 million allowance for the Company’s deferred tax assets in the United States and $2.5 million allowance for the Company’s non-U.S. deferred tax assets in China. Based on the Company’s current operations in the United States, management believes that the deferred tax assets in the United States are not likely to be realized in the future. For the deferred tax assets in other countries, pursuant to certain tax laws and regulations, management believes such amount will not be used to offset future taxable income.
[2]	Approximately $4.8 million and $4.6 million of net deferred income tax assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, are included in non-current deferred tax assets in the accompanying condensed unaudited consolidated balance sheets. The remaining $7.9 million and $6.6 million of net deferred income tax assets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, are included in current deferred tax assets.

Deferred income tax assets (D79

Deferred income tax assets (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Tax Assets [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 8,891	$ 8,912
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent	4,815	4,641
Current deferred tax assets	7,872	$ 7,946
U.S [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 6,400
Amortizing Period Of Net Operating Loss	20 years
Non U.S [Member]
Deferred Tax Assets [Line Items]
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	$ 2,500
Amortizing Period Of Net Operating Loss	5 years

Bank and government loans (Deta

Bank and government loans (Details) $ in Thousands, ¥ in Millions		Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)		Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Bank and government loans		$ 69,163		$ 40,820
China Construction Bank [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term bank loans	[1]	2,174		2,162
ICBC Macau [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term bank loans	[2],[3],[4]	35,665		35,054
Chinese government loan [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term bank loans		3,624	[5]	3,604	[5]	$ 3,900	¥ 25
China CITIC Bank [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term bank loans	[6]	$ 27,700		$ 0
[1]	These loans are secured by property, plant and equipment of the Company and are repayable within one year (See Note 10). As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate was 5.3% and 5.2% per annum, respectively. Interest is to be paid monthly or quarterly on the twentieth day of the applicable month or quarter and the principal repayment is at maturity.
[2]	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 will expire on October 27, 2017. As security for the HSBC Credit Facility, the Company’s subsidiary 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 Brazil Credit 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 will mature on October 9, 2017 and has an annual interest rate of 8.2%. The principal and interest are paid each month. Hubei Henglong provided a Standby Letter of Credit for an amount of $0.1 million in favor of HSBC Brazil. Hubei Henglong’s Standby Letter of Credit was issued by China CITIC Bank Wuhan branch and is collateralized by short-term investments of Hubei Henglong of RMB 0.5 million, equivalent to approximately $0.1 million. 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 $0.6 million, the “Bank of China Credit Facility”. The Bank of China Credit Facility will expire on January 15, 2018. As security for the Bank of China Credit Facility, the Company’s subsidiary Hubei Henglong was 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 will mature on January 15, 2018 and has an annual interest rate of 3.9%. Interest is paid semiannually and the principal repayment is at maturity. Hubei Henglong provided a Standby 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 Bank of China Jingzhou branch and is collateralized by long-term time deposits of Hubei Henglong of RMB 6.0 million, equivalent to approximately $0.9 million.
[3]	On July 16, 2014, Great Genesis entered into a credit facility agreement with HSBC HK to obtain a non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $5.0 million, the “HSBC Credit Facility”. The HSBC Credit Facility expired on July 1, 2015 and had an annual interest rate of 1.7%. Interest was paid on the twentieth day of each month and the principal repayment was at maturity. As security for the HSBC Credit Facility, the Company’s subsidiary Hubei Henglong was required to provide HSBC HK with the Standby Letter of Credit for a total amount of not less than $5.4 million if the HSBC Credit Facility was fully drawn. On July 22, 2014, Great Genesis drew down a loan amounting to $5.0 million provided by HSBC HK and Hubei Henglong provided a Standby Letter of Credit for an amount of $5.4 million in favor of HSBC HK. Hubei Henglong’s Standby Letter of Credit was issued by HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited Wuhan branch and is collateralized by long-term time deposits of Hubei Henglong of RMB 33.0 million, equivalent to approximately $4.8 million. On July 7, 2016, HSBC HK agreed to extend the maturity date of the HSBC Credit Facility to July 1, 2017. Hubei Henglong provided a Standby Letter of Credit in an amount of $5.1 million in favor of HSBC HK. The Standby Letter of Credit was issued by HSBC Bank (China) Company Limited Wuhan branch and is collateralized by short-term time deposits of Hubei Henglong of RMB 36.0 million, equivalent to approximately $5.2 million. The interest rate of the HSBC Credit Facility under the extended term is revised as three-month LIBOR plus 0.8% per annum, i.e. 1.95% per annum. Except for the above, all other terms and conditions as stipulated in the Credit Agreement remained unchanged.
[4]	On May 18, 2012, the Company entered into a credit facility agreement, the “Credit Agreement,” with ICBC Macau to obtain a non-revolving credit facility in the amount of $30.0 million, the “Credit Facility”. The Credit Facility would have expired on November 3, 2012 unless the Company drew down the line of credit in full prior to such expiration date, and the maturity date for the loan drawdown was the earlier of (i) 18 months from the 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 “Henglong Standby Letter of Credit”. The interest rate of the Credit Facility is calculated based on a three-month LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum, subject to the availability of funds and fluctuation at ICBC Macau’s discretion. The interest is calculated daily based on a 360-day year and it is fixed one day 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 Credit Facility, the Company was required to provide ICBC Macau with the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit for a total amount of not less than $31.6 million if the Credit Facility is fully drawn. On May 22, 2012, the Company drew down the full amount of $30.0 million under the Credit Facility and provided the Henglong Standby Letter of Credit for an amount of $31.6 million in favor of ICBC Macau. The Henglong Standby Letter of Credit issued by ICBC Jingzhou is collateralized by Henglong and Jiulong’s notes receivable of RMB 224.5 million, equivalent to approximately $32.5 million. The Company also paid an arrangement fee of $0.1 million to ICBC Macau and $0.1 million to ICBC Jingzhou. The original maturity date of the Credit Facility was May 22, 2013 and it was extended to May 12, 2017 after being extended four times. The interest rate of the Credit Facility under the extended term is three-month LIBOR plus 0.7% per annum. Except for the above, all other terms and conditions as stipulated in the Credit Agreement remain unchanged. As of March 31, 2017, the interest rate of the Credit Facility was 1.85% per annum.
[5]	On March 31, 2015, the Company received a Chinese government loan of RMB 25.0 million, equivalent to approximately $3.9 million, with an interest rate of 2.5% per annum, which matured on April 20, 2016. On June 10, 2016, the Chinese government agreed to extend the maturity date to June 10, 2017. The interest rate of the government loan under the extended term is 1.5%. Except for the above, all other terms and conditions of the loan remain unchanged. Henglong pledged RMB 25.0 million, equivalent to approximately $3.6 million, of notes receivable as security for such Chinese government loan (See Note 4).
[6]	On September 26, 2016, Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of $25.5 million, the “Henglong CITIC Credit Facility”. The Henglong CITIC Credit Facility will expire on September 26, 2017. As security for the Henglong CITIC Credit Facility, Henglong’s property, plant and equipment were pledged and Hubei Henglong provided a guarantee. On March 3, 2017, Henglong drew down loans amounting to $4.7 million, $4.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively. The loans will mature on February 5, 6 and 7, 2018, respectively. The annual interest rate of the loans is 4.99%. The principal and interest will be paid at maturity. On September 26, 2016, Hubei Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of $15.0 million, the “Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility”. The Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility will expire on September 26, 2017. Henglong provided a guarantee for Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility. On March 3, 2017, Hubei Henglong drew down loans amounting to $4.2 million, $ 4.2 million and $5.5 million, respectively. The loans will mature on February 2, 8 and 9, 2018, respectively. The annual interest rate of the loans is 4.99%. The principal and interest will be paid at maturity.

Bank and government loans (De81

Bank and government loans (Details Textual) $ in Thousands, ¥ in Millions

Jul. 07, 2016USD ($)

Sep. 26, 2016USD ($)

Aug. 26, 2016USD ($)

May 06, 2016USD ($)

Apr. 01, 2016USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)

Jul. 16, 2014USD ($)

May 22, 2012USD ($)

May 18, 2012USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2017CNY (¥)

Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)

Aug. 26, 2016CNY (¥)

Jul. 07, 2016CNY (¥)

Jun. 10, 2016USD ($)

May 06, 2016CNY (¥)

Mar. 31, 2015CNY (¥)

Jul. 22, 2014USD ($)

Jul. 22, 2014CNY (¥)

May 22, 2012CNY (¥)

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

5.30%

5.30%

5.20%

Non Revolving Credit Facility

$ 30,000

Financing Receivable, Net

$ 36,200

¥ 249.5

36,000

Time Deposits

5,800

¥ 39.9

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

May 12, 2017

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

$ 30,000

Industrial and Commercial Bank Of China Macau [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Non Revolving Credit Facility

$ 30,000

$ 30,000

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description

LIBOR plus 0.7% per annum

LIBOR plus 2.25% per annum

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End

1.85%

1.85%

Financing Receivable, Net

$ 32,500

¥ 224.5

Arrangement Fee

100

Line of Credit, Current

31,600

$ 31,600

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Nov. 3, 2012

Line Of Credit Facility, Interest Rate At Period End

1.85%

1.85%

Industrial and Commercial Bank Of China Jingzhou Branch [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Arrangement Fee

$ 100

HSBC Bank China Company Limited [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Non Revolving Credit Facility

$ 5,000

$ 5,000

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate Description

LIBOR plus 0.8% per annum

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End

1.95%

1.70%

1.95%

Line of Credit, Current

$ 5,100

$ 5,400

5,400

Time Deposits

$ 5,200

¥ 36

$ 4,800

¥ 33

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Jul. 1, 2015

Line Of Credit Facility, Interest Rate At Period End

1.95%

1.70%

1.95%

Chinese government loan [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End

1.50%

Short-term Debt, Total

$ 3,900

$ 3,624

[1]

3,604

[1]

¥ 25

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

2.50%

2.50%

Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount

$ 3,600

¥ 25

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Apr. 20, 2016

Line Of Credit Facility, Interest Rate At Period End

1.50%

HSBC Bank Brazil [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit, Current

$ 100

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

8.20%

8.20%

Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount

$ 100

$ 100

¥ 0.5

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Oct. 9, 2017

Oct. 27, 2017

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

$ 100

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$ 100

China CITIC Bank [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Short-term Debt, Total

[2]

$ 27,700

$ 0

China CITIC Bank [Member] | Henglong CITIC Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End

4.99%

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Sep. 26, 2017

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 25,500

Line Of Credit Facility, Interest Rate At Period End

4.99%

China CITIC Bank [Member] | Henglong CITIC Credit Facility [Member] | Line Of Credit Maturity On 50218 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Feb. 5, 2018

Proceeds from Lines of Credit

$ 4,700

China CITIC Bank [Member] | Henglong CITIC Credit Facility [Member] | Line Of Credit Maturity On 60218 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Feb. 6, 2018

Proceeds from Lines of Credit

$ 4,700

China CITIC Bank [Member] | Henglong CITIC Credit Facility [Member] | Line Of Credit Maturity On 70218 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Feb. 7, 2018

Proceeds from Lines of Credit

$ 4,400

China CITIC Bank [Member] | Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End

4.99%

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Sep. 26, 2017

Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity

$ 15,000

Line Of Credit Facility, Interest Rate At Period End

4.99%

China CITIC Bank [Member] | Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility [Member] | Line Of Credit Maturity On 20218 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Feb. 2, 2018

Proceeds from Lines of Credit

$ 4,200

China CITIC Bank [Member] | Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility [Member] | Line Of Credit Maturity On 80218 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Feb. 8, 2018

Proceeds from Lines of Credit

$ 4,200

China CITIC Bank [Member] | Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility [Member] | Line Of Credit Maturity On 90218 [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Feb. 9, 2018

Proceeds from Lines of Credit

$ 5,500

Bank of China Brazil [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Line of Credit, Current

$ 600

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

3.90%

3.90%

Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount

$ 900

Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date

Jan. 15, 2018

Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount

$ 900

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

600

Bank of China Jingzhou [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Time Deposits

$ 900

Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount | ¥

¥ 6

[1]

On March 31, 2015, the Company received a Chinese government loan of RMB 25.0 million, equivalent to approximately $3.9 million, with an interest rate of 2.5% per annum, which matured on April 20, 2016. On June 10, 2016, the Chinese government agreed to extend the maturity date to June 10, 2017. The interest rate of the government loan under the extended term is 1.5%. Except for the above, all other terms and conditions of the loan remain unchanged. Henglong pledged RMB 25.0 million, equivalent to approximately $3.6 million, of notes receivable as security for such Chinese government loan (See Note 4).

[2]

On September 26, 2016, Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of $25.5 million, the “Henglong CITIC Credit Facility”. The Henglong CITIC Credit Facility will expire on September 26, 2017. As security for the Henglong CITIC Credit Facility, Henglong’s property, plant and equipment were pledged and Hubei Henglong provided a guarantee. On March 3, 2017, Henglong drew down loans amounting to $4.7 million, $4.7 million and $4.4 million, respectively. The loans will mature on February 5, 6 and 7, 2018, respectively. The annual interest rate of the loans is 4.99%. The principal and interest will be paid at maturity. On September 26, 2016, Hubei Henglong entered into a credit facility agreement with China CITIC Bank to obtain credit facilities in the amount of $15.0 million, the “Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility”. The Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility will expire on September 26, 2017. Henglong provided a guarantee for Hubei Henglong CITIC Credit Facility. On March 3, 2017, Hubei Henglong drew down loans amounting to $4.2 million, $ 4.2 million and $5.5 million, respectively. The loans will mature on February 2, 8 and 9, 2018, respectively. The annual interest rate of the loans is 4.99%. The principal and interest will be paid at maturity.

Accounts and notes payable (Det

Accounts and notes payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounts And Notes Payable [Line Items]
Accounts payable - unrelated parties		$ 129,682	$ 138,053
Notes payable - unrelated parties	[1]	87,512	78,940
Accounts and notes payable - unrelated parties		217,194	216,993
Accounts and notes payable - related parties		5,893	6,803
Balance at end of period		$ 223,087	$ 223,796
[1]	Notes payable represent accounts payable in the form of notes issued by the Company. The notes are endorsed by banks to ensure that noteholders will be paid after maturity. The Company has pledged cash deposits, short-term investments, notes receivable and certain property, plant and equipment to secure notes payable granted by banks.

Accrued expenses and other pa83

Accrued expenses and other payables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accrued Expenses [Line Items]
Accrued expenses		$ 7,824	$ 8,605
Accrued interest		220	88
Other payables		1,066	964
Warranty reserves	[1]	25,738	26,225
Total		$ 34,848	$ 35,882
[1]	The Company provides for the estimated cost of product warranties when the products are sold. Such estimates of product warranties are based on, among other 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.

Accrued expenses and other pa84

Accrued expenses and other payables (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Accrued Expenses [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 26,225	$ 23,059	$ 23,059
Additions during the period	3,076	1,795	16,522
Settlement within period, by cash or actual materials	(3,419)	(1,551)	(11,781)
Foreign currency translation loss	(144)	(116)	(1,575)
Balance at end of the period	$ 25,738	$ 23,187	$ 26,225

Accrued expenses and other pa85

Accrued expenses and other payables (Details Textual) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Accrued Expenses [Line Items]
Revenue Recognition, Sales Returns, Reserve for Sales Returns	$ 5

Taxes payable (Details)

Taxes payable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Taxes Payable [Line Items]
Value-added tax payable	$ 2,876	$ 7,662
Income tax payable	4,172	3,390
Other tax payable	575	622
Total	$ 7,623	$ 11,674

Advances payable (Details Textu

Advances payable (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Advance Payable [Line Items]
Advances payable	$ 0.7	$ 0.7

Additional paid-in capital (Det

Additional paid-in capital (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Additional Paid In Capital [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of the period		$ 64,764	$ 64,627	$ 64,627
Share-based compensation	[1]	0	0	137
Balance at end of the period		$ 64,764	$ 64,627	$ 64,764
[1]	On December 2, 2016, the Company granted 22,500 stock options to the Company’s independent directors, with the exercise price equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock traded on NASDAQ on the date of grant. The fair value of the stock options was determined at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option model requires management to make various estimates and assumptions, including expected term, expected volatility, risk-free rate and dividend yield. The expected term represents the period of time that stock-based compensation awards granted are expected to be outstanding and is estimated based on considerations including the vesting period, contractual term and anticipated employee exercise patterns. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’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. The dividend yield assumption is based on historical patterns and future expectations for the Company’s dividends.

Additional paid-in capital (D89

Additional paid-in capital (Details 1)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Additional Paid In Capital [Line Items]
Issuance Date	Dec. 2, 2016
Expected volatility	134.80%
Risk-free rate	1.84%
Expected term (years)	5 years
Dividend yield	0.00%

Additional paid-in capital (D90

Additional paid-in capital (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Additional Paid In Capital [Line Items]
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense		$ 0.1
Share-based Compensation Arrangement By Share-based Payment Award Options Exercisable Grant Date Fair Value	$ 0.1
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Additional Paid In Capital [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	22,500

Retained earnings (Details)

Retained earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 10,549	$ 10,379	$ 10,379
Appropriation of retained earnings	0	0	170
Balance at end of the period	$ 10,549	$ 10,379	$ 10,549

Retained earnings (Details 1)

Retained earnings (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 228,963	$ 206,622	$ 206,622
Net income attributable to parent company	5,714	5,709	22,511
Appropriation of retained earnings	0	0	170
Balance at end of the period	$ 234,677	$ 212,331	$ 228,963

Retained earnings (Details Text

Retained earnings (Details Textual) - 3 months ended Mar. 31, 2017 ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions	USD ($)	CNY (¥)
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices Statutory Surplus Required Percentage	10.00%
Percentage Of Statutory Surplus Reserve	50.00%
Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co Ltd [Member]
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	$ 10
Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co Ltd [Member]
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	4.2	¥ 35
Shenyang Jinbei Henglong Automotive Steering System Co Ltd [Member]
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	8.1	67.5
Universal Sensor Application Inc [Member]
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	2.6
Wuhan Jielong Electric Power Steering Co Ltd [Member]
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	6
Wuhu Henglong Automotive Steering System Co Ltd [Member]
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	3.8	30
Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co Ltd [Member]
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	39
Chongqing Henglong Hongyan Automotive Systems Co Ltd [Member]
Retained Earnings Adjustments [Line Items]
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Capital and Surplus Required	$ 9.5	¥ 60

Accumulated other comprehensi94

Accumulated other comprehensive income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of the period	$ (892)	$ 18,412	$ 18,412
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to parent company	1,575	1,573	(19,304)
Balance at end of the period	$ 683	$ 19,985	$ (892)

Treasury stock (Details Textual

Treasury stock (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 18, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016
Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Purchase Plan		$ 1.9
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$ 5
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares		477,015

Non-controlling interests (Deta

Non-controlling interests (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of the period	$ 5,412	$ 8,252	$ 8,252
Income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interests	224	(164)	466
Dividends declared to the non-controlling interest holders of joint-venture companies	0	0	(464)
Change of non-controlling interests change due to disposal of Fujian Qiaolong	0	0	(2,150)
Foreign currency translation adjustment attributable to non-controlling interests	54	79	(692)
Balance at end of the period	$ 5,690	$ 8,166	$ 5,412

Gain on other sales (Details Te

Gain on other sales (Details Textual) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Gain on other sales disclosure [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) On Other Sales	$ 788	$ 801

Financial income, net (Details)

Financial income, net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Financial Expenses [Line Items]
Interest income	$ 481	$ 424
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain, net	(29)	14
Gain of cash discount, net	0	3
Bank fees	(120)	(119)
Total financial income, net	$ 332	$ 322

Income tax rate (Details Textua

Income tax rate (Details Textual) BRL in Thousands, $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2008	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017BRL	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Withholding Tax Percentage Applicable To Foreign Investors As Non Resident Enterprises	10.00%
Withholding Tax Percentage Applicable To Foreign Investors To Direct Holding Company		5.00%	5.00%
Percentage Owned In Holding Company To Avail Withholding Tax Of Five Percent		25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Undistributed Earnings, Basic		$ 246,400			$ 239,800
Tax Provision On Retained Earning Not Reinvested		$ 12,300			$ 12,000
Increase In Income Tax Expense Benefit Percentage		16.80%	16.80%	16.10%
Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co Ltd [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes						15.00%
Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co Ltd [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes						15.00%
Shenyang Jinbei Henglong Automotive Steering System Co Ltd [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes								15.00%	15.00%	15.00%
Wuhu Henglong Automotive Steering System Co Ltd [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes		15.00%	15.00%				15.00%
Wuhan Jielong Electric Power Steering Co Ltd [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes						15.00%	15.00%
Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co Ltd [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes						15.00%	15.00%	15.00%	15.00%
Hong Kong Enterprise [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes		16.50%	16.50%
Chongqing Henglong Hongyan Automotive Systems Co Ltd [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes								25.00%
CAAS Brazils Imports and Trade In Automotive Parts Ltd [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential		10.00%	10.00%
Additional Tax Payable Subject To Residential Status		$ 120
United States [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Tax rate		35.00%	35.00%
Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit)		$ 200
Undistributed Earnings, Basic		$ 3,900
CAAS Brazils Imports and Trade In Automotive Part Ltd [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes		15.00%	15.00%
Additional Tax Payable Subject To Residential Status | BRL			BRL 240

Income per share (Details)

Income per share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Numerator:
Net income attributable to the parent company’s common shareholders - Basic and Diluted	$ 5,714	$ 5,709	$ 22,511
Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding	31,644,004	32,121,019
Dilutive effects of stock options	5,904	2,569
Denominator for dilutive income per share - Diluted	31,649,908	32,123,588
Net income per share attributable to parent company’s common shareholders
Basic	$ 0.18	$ 0.18
Diluted	$ 0.18	$ 0.18

Income per share (Details Textu

Income per share (Details Textual) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Equity Option [Member]
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	90,000	82,500

Significant concentrations(Deta

Significant concentrations(Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Minimum Percentage Of Profit Allocated To Foreign Investment	10.00%
Registered Capital Percentage	50.00%
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	10.00%
Ten Largest Customers [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	62.90%	67.10%
Customer One [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable Trade Percentage	5.10%	13.80%
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.90%
Customer One [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		12.40%
Customer Two [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Accounts Receivable Trade Percentage		10.00%
Customer Two [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Unusual Risk or Uncertainty [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		12.10%

Related party transactions a103

Related party transactions and balances (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Related receivables
Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties		$ 21,308,000		$ 20,984,000
Total	[1]	29,957		624
Related advances
Advanced equipment payment to related parties		2,326,000		5,005,000
Advanced payments and others to related parties		29,957,000		624,000
Related payables
Accounts and notes payable		5,893,000		6,803,000
Related Loans
Related party loan		29,044,000	$ 0
Related Party [Member]
Related sales
Merchandise sold to related parties		9,852,000	8,839,000
Related purchases
Related parties		10,642,000	9,655,000
Related receivables
Total		21,308,000		20,984,000
Related advances
Total		32,283,000		5,629,000
Related Party [Member] | Raw Materials And Others [Member]
Related sales
Merchandise sold to related parties		300,000	223,000
Related Party [Member] | Rental Income [Member]
Related sales
Merchandise sold to related parties		14,000	31,000
Equipment [Member] | Related Party [Member]
Related purchases
Related parties		3,012,000	2,515,000
Materials [Member] | Related Party [Member]
Related purchases
Related parties		7,363,000	6,875,000
Advanced Equipment [Member] | Related Party [Member]
Related advances
Advanced equipment payment to related parties		2,326,000		5,005,000
Merchandise [Member] | Related Party [Member]
Related sales
Merchandise sold to related parties		9,538,000	8,585,000
Other purchased [Member] | Related Party [Member]
Related purchases
Related parties		267,000	$ 265,000
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Related Party [Member]
Related receivables
Accounts and notes receivable, net - related parties		21,308,000		20,984,000
Other Advance Payments [Member] | Related Party [Member]
Related advances
Advanced payments and others to related parties		$ 29,957,000		$ 624,000
[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 RMB 200 million (equivalent to $28.8 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%.

Related party transactions a104

Related party transactions and balances (Details Textual)	May 11, 2017
Hanlin Chen [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	56.40%

Commitments and contingencie105

Commitments and contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	$ 25,637	[1]
2,018	8,109
2,019	731
2,020	0
Thereafter	0
Total	34,477
Obligations for investment contracts [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	7,392	[1],[2]
2,018	5,218	[1],[2]
2,019	0	[1],[2]
2,020	0	[1],[2]
Thereafter	0	[1],[2]
Total	12,610	[1],[2]
Obligations for purchasing and service [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	18,245	[1]
2,018	2,891
2,019	731
2,020	0
Thereafter	0
Total	$ 21,867
[1]	On September 22, 2014, Hubei Henglong entered into an agreement with other parties to establish the Venture Fund, under which Hubei Henglong has committed to make investments of RMB 50.0 million, equivalent to approximately $7.2 million, into the Venture Fund in three installments. As of March 31, 2017, Hubei Henglong has completed a capital contribution of RMB 35.0 million, equivalent to approximately $5.1 million, representing 14.7% of the Venture Fund’s shares. According to the agreement, the remaining capital commitment of RMB 15.0 million, equivalent to approximately $2.2 million, will be paid upon capital calls received from the Venture Fund.
[2]	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 $17.4 million, representing 17.1% of Chongqing Venture Fund’s shares. As of March 31, 2017, Hubei Henglong has completed a capital contribution of RMB 48.0 million, equivalent to approximately $7.0 million, representing 23.5% of Chongqing Venture Fund’s shares. According to the agreement, the remaining capital commitment of RMB 72.0 million, equivalent to approximately $10.4 million, will be paid upon capital calls received from the Chongqing Venture Fund.

Commitments and contingencie106

Commitments and contingencies (Details Textual) ¥ in Millions, $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017CNY (¥)	May 31, 2016USD ($)	May 31, 2016CNY (¥)	Sep. 22, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 22, 2014CNY (¥)
Hubei Henglong [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Capital	$ 5.1	¥ 35			$ 7.2	¥ 50
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	14.70%	14.70%	17.10%	17.10%
Suzhou Qingyan Automobile Industry Venture Firm [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unpaid Capital	$ 2.2	¥ 15
Chongquing Venture Fund [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Unpaid Capital	10.4	72
Chongquing Venture Fund [Member] | Hubei Henglong [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Line Items]
Capital	$ 7	¥ 48	$ 17.4	¥ 120
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	23.50%	23.50%

Segment reporting (Details)

Segment reporting (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	$ 119,308	$ 116,854
Net Income (Loss)	5,938	5,545
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	(18,769)	(13,912)
Net Income (Loss)	125	(160)
Corporate Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	0	0
Net Income (Loss)	(168)	(441)
Jingzhou Henglong Automotive Parts Co Ltd [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	70,834	75,893
Net Income (Loss)	3,319	5,715
Shashi Jiulong Power Steering Gears Co Ltd [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	22,287	16,740
Net Income (Loss)	1,390	27
Shenyang Jinbei Henglong Automotive Steering System Co Ltd [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	8,003	7,221
Net Income (Loss)	462	52
Wuhu Henglong Automotive Steering System Co Ltd [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	6,108	5,379
Net Income (Loss)	(70)	(72)
Hubei Henglong Automotive System Group Co Ltd [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	18,134	14,378
Net Income (Loss)	238	(30)
Other Sectors [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	12,711	11,155
Net Income (Loss)	642	454
Total Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Sales	138,077	130,766
Net Income (Loss)	$ 5,981	$ 6,146

Segment reporting (Details Text

Segment reporting (Details Textual)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	10.00%