York's slant
Page 19
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
YORK has reached an agreement with the China National Automotive and Industry Corporation whereby York trailers, axles, suspensions and fifth wheels will be manufactured under licence in China.
The trailers and components will be built at an existing plant at Siping, near China's border with the Soviet Union.
At least £500,000 worth of °components a year will be sold back to York for use in its established Far East markets but it is not yet clear what the total production of the Chinese plant will be.
None of the Chinese-built components will be used in Europe.
Engineers from CNAIC will be visiting York's UK plants within the next two weeks to be trained in manufacturing techniques. This is believed to be the first manufacturing agreement between China and a British supplier to the commercial vehicle industry but others are likely to follow.
The Chinese increasingly are turning to Western Europe for the expertise needed to assist with their rapid development of various transport systems.