Belgian auto-parts supplier WABCO Holdings Inc. will supply parts to Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Co. under an agreement announced last week, the Associated Press reported.

Under the deal, WABCO, based in Belgium, will supply vacuum pumps for the brakes on diesel and gasoline cars. Vacuum pumps for all Chery engines will be produced locally at WABCO's world-class manufacturing facility located in Qingdao, China.

WABCO vacuum pumps for automotive braking systems utilize an ultra-low power consumption design that helps improve engine efficiency. Using modular design concepts, WABCO vacuum pumps feature a range of standard components that increase efficiency in manufacturing.

"This agreement with Chery marks a major achievement for WABCO in the Chinese auto industry and further grows our position in emerging markets through deep connectivity with customers, powered by our local people and capabilities," said Mike Thompson, WABCO Vice President of Car Systems.

Chery is one of China's biggest automakers, with 365,000 cars sold in 2008. About half those cars were exported to more than 70 countries, making Chery China's biggest car exporter.

WABCO, which specializes in safety and control systems parts for commercial vehicles, had $2.8 billion in sales in 2008.