8 Asians

Chinese Automobile Rip-Offs

Dude, I totally know how you can save money on a new Audi S4 — buy a SMA Shanghai Maple from China instead!

Recent reports of certain automakers in China outright copying the look of Western cars have been met by a flurry of lawsuits. Chinese automakers like Shuanghuan Auto are accused of copying cars like the BMW X5, while Hongqi’s limousine bears a striking resemblance to the Lincoln Town Car. In some comparison pictures, you can’t even tell the original from the copy, as in the case of the SMA Shanghai Maple and the Audi S4 Cabrio.

Yup. Businesses in China have taken pirating to a whole new level. We ain’t talking Microsoft Vista CDs or Iron Man VCDs here. We’re talking automobiles!

As you might suspect, legal threats and lawsuits are rampant between US and European automakers and their Chinese counterparts. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but these rip-offs are pretty damn blatant. Just check out these photos! Hilarious!

Other posts you might be interested in:

• Chinese Game Console Imitation
• Chinese “Shanzhai” Brands
• Electric bicycles on the rise in China
• Surprise! Son of “Meanest Mom in the World” is Asian
• So you think you can…BE ASIAN?

Comments (2) to “Chinese Automobile Rip-Offs”

1. Jason wrote:

   “…while Hongqi’s limousine bears a striking resemblance to the Lincoln Town Car….”

   Please tell me that’s pronounced, “Honkey.” Because that would just rock.

   Posted on 21-Sep-07 at 11:04 am | Permalink

2. 8 Asians » Chinese Game Console Imitation wrote:

   [...] to Chinese companies: they sure have the art of imitation down. Movies, music, software, clothes, automobiles, and of course, [...]

   Posted on 04-Oct-07 at 9:07 am | Permalink

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