Trico's China business grows

Detroit, Michigan - The China wiper blade business of Trico Products is growing quickly, says Dan Collins, Asia Pacific sales director.

"We only have two local competitors, both of whom can only really compete at the very low end, which would be on vehicles selling for around $4000," says Collins.

Since it began local production in October 2005, Trico, of suburban Detroit, has booked $100 million in orders in China.

The total China wiper systems market is about $245 million annually.

Trico's customers in China include joint ventures of DaimlerChrysler and Honda Motor Co., as well as domestic manufacturers such as Chery Automobile Co. and Nanjing Automobile Group Corp.

Both Chery and Nanjing Auto plan to manufacture cars for export to the United States and Europe.

From Automotive News (A Crain publication)