The Chinese carmaker accused by
BMW and Mercedes-Smart of copying their designs has rejected the claims, citing that it had approval from the Chinese government to build the cars as its defense. Shuanghuan manufactures the Noble minicar, an almost identical replica of the
Smart Fortwo, as well as the CEO, a SUV with the rear-end of a BMW X5.
Both BMW and
Mercedes have threatened Shuanghuan and its European importer with legal action if the Chinese carmaker carries out its plans to display the suspect cars at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.
"Noble and CEO cars, approved by the Chinese government, are legal products," a spokesperson for Shuanghuan told reporters from
AFP. Further, the spokesperson explained that the Noble is only sold in China, while the only export markets the CEO is sold in is in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. There were also no plans to display the cars at next month’s Frankfurt show, he said.
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!
By big L Posted: 8/30/2007 10:25am PDT
By Bender Posted: 8/30/2007 11:59am PDT
By SuperSkyline89 Posted: 8/30/2007 7:04pm PDT
By Gameyu Posted: 9/8/2007 12:30pm PDT
By Gameyu is lame Posted: 9/13/2007 10:33am PDT
By gameyu is lame is lame Posted: 9/13/2007 3:35pm PDT
By lame and lamer Posted: 9/17/2007 12:36pm PDT
By Chris Posted: 7/3/2008 3:32pm PDT
By Jon Posted: 9/8/2010 5:23pm PDT
Have an opinion?Join the conversation!