Europe To Get Chinese Smart Clone Despite Legal Threats

The Chinese built Smart Fortwo replica, Shuanghuan’s Noble minicar, will go on sale in Europe despite threats of legal action from Mercedes-Benz. Officials from Mercedes have threatened the European importer of the Chinese vehicles, Martin Motors, who says the cars will still go on sale as scheduled following a possible launch at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The car is still awaiting EU safety and emission approval.

The CEO of Martin Motors Guido Martinelli told reporters from Automotive News Europe that Mercedes’ legal team had already sent a letter of complaint to the car’s German importer, China Automobiles Deutschland. “After a preliminary hearing between our lawyers and those from our German distributor, we see no evidence in Mercedes claims. We plan to show the Noble at the IAA in Frankfurt,” he said.


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MercBasher - 8/31/2007 10:54:48 AM

-3 Boost

Does the vehicle look like a rip-off from the Smart Car - Yes, a very close rip-off that in a fair society would not be allowed.

However should one feel sorry for Daimler/Mercedes/Smart - NO, absolutely not.

Remember Daimler Chrysler is the company that brought us the Chrysler 300 which was a rip-off of the Bentley Arnage, and also was on the verge of bringing a Rolls Royce Phantom rip-off to market called the Chrysler Imperial [concept].

What goes around, comes around!

EnnNorak - 8/31/2007 11:30:15 PM

+1 Boost

There is an aftermarket grille available for the 300 that makes it look like a Bentley. I recall the cost is only around 200 or 300 dollars. Other than that, I do not see any Bentley rip-off on the part of Chrysler.

As for the Chinese Smart car, it should be carefully checked to make sure there is no interior lead paint , toxic materials, and cheap fasteners that might fall apart due to stress fatigue.

pushrod27 - 8/31/2007 12:29:54 PM

+6 Boost

Anyone stupid enough to buy a Chinese car will get what they deserve soon enough.

lewishamiltonpimp - 8/31/2007 12:36:59 PM

+5 Boost

While I can see the slight resemblance between a 300 and a Bentley, you are missing the point. Chinese companies like this literally clone/copy the car and sell it. You must have seen the BMW X5 clone.

And I see no resemblance between the Phantom and the Imperial.

david989 - 8/31/2007 12:42:45 PM

-7 Boost

It wouldn't surprise me if the Chinese version was more reliable and better built than that cheap German version.

Need4Speed - 8/31/2007 6:35:25 PM

+1 Boost

And I wouldn't be suprised if others such as yourself, that constantly barage us with worthless criticism of German automobiles, would NOT be willing to put your money were your mouth is and buy one of these vehicles and haul your family around in them. If you feel that safe then by all means...it's your money and your family!

ICON - 8/31/2007 1:06:14 PM

+3 Boost

Wonder when the Chinese will come up with an original thought or idea...like all the product recalls for lead paint et al, the Chinese are definitely a case of Buyer Beware.

They have no respect for intellectual property, it is ingrained and cultural.

ICON - 8/31/2007 5:31:42 PM

+1 Boost

Sport - thanks for the reference to that article. Excellent point of perspective for understanding the waking giant.

w209w114 - 8/31/2007 2:10:42 PM

+2 Boost

The European Union should require this car to come with big red stickers all over that say

"WARNING: DRIVE AT YOUR OWN RISK"

Followed by the fine print...

"Driving of Chinese cars may cause sudden death at impact speeds below 20 kilometers per hour"

Good luck! to anyone who buys this garbage(literally).

Bmw8ter - 8/31/2007 5:40:30 PM

0 Boost

I can see someone purchasing this car, thinking they've made a good decision only to have people push it over on it's side as soon as the person gets out of it.

EnnNorak - 8/31/2007 11:35:19 PM

+1 Boost

My sentiments exactly. The Chinese have a long way to go to restore confidence in their exports after all these recent product scandals. One problem is that even if you buy something made in Japan or Korea for example, you have no way of knowing what percentage of the content is Chinese.

ICON - 8/31/2007 5:34:08 PM

+1 Boost

Would that be Toyota?