Business Context and Reporting Period
This Form 6-K filing by China Automotive Systems, Inc. is dated September 18, 2025. The report addresses a change in the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
Key Financial Metrics
The filing text does not provide specific values for revenue, profit, cash flow, margins, debt, or liquidity. This report is strictly procedural regarding auditor changes and does not contain financial statement data.
Material Changes
- Dismissal of Auditor: The Audit Committee dismissed PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian LLP ("PwC"), effective September 17, 2025.
- Engagement of New Auditor: The Committee engaged Grant Thornton Zhitong Certified Public Accountants LLP ("Grant Thornton"), effective September 17, 2025, to serve as the independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025.
- Audit History: PwC's audit reports for fiscal years ended December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2024, were unqualified (no adverse opinion, disclaimer, or modification).
Management Commentary and Risks
- No Disagreements: The Company reported no "disagreements" with PwC regarding accounting principles, practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope/procedures during the fiscal years 2023 and 2024, or the interim period through September 17, 2025.
- No Reportable Events: There were no "reportable events" as defined in Item 16F(a)(1)(v)(A) through (D) of Form 20-F during the same periods.
- Consultation with New Auditor: Neither the Company nor anyone on its behalf consulted with Grant Thornton regarding matters set forth in Item 16F(a)(2) of Form 20-F prior to the engagement.
- Regulatory Compliance: The filing includes a letter from PwC (Exhibit 16.1) confirming agreement with the Company's statements regarding the dismissal.
Investor Verification Checklist
- Verify the effective date of the auditor change (September 17, 2025).
- Review Exhibit 16.1 (Letter from PwC) to confirm the absence of undisclosed disagreements.
- Monitor future filings (Form 20-F) for the first audit report issued by Grant Thornton.
- Confirm that no "reportable events" occurred during the interim period leading up to the change.