Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No.333-126959) of China Automotive Systems, Inc. of our report dated March 9, 2012 relating to the consolidated financial statements, financial statement schedules and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appears in this Form 10-K.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Zhong Tian CPAs Limited Company
Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
March 9, 2012