Minibus and van maker Shenyang Jinbei Automotive Co. said its first-half loss more than doubled from the same period a year ago on rising raw material costs and a loss at one of its major affiliates.

Jinbei said it made a loss in the first half this year of 193.3 million yuan (US$23.83 million), widening from a loss of 87.6 million yuan a year ago. It said it expected to post a loss for the full year. Core revenue was up 37 percent to 670.5 million yuan from 490.1 million yuan, it said. The company blamed "structural changes" in the auto industry and rising costs of raw materials for its wider loss, but didn't elaborate.