#IAA: SPY On SPY! Caught Red Handed, THIS Is What Also Happens At Auto Shows!

Auto shows are known places for a lot of zaniness. Although many think it's just a place where all-new cars are rolled out and press conferences happen, there's more to it than that.

There's actually a bit of drama, suspense, sex, boozing and even spying.

2015 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA)

While Agent 001 was scoping out the all-new Audi S4, it turns out he ran across a spy from another auto manufacturer. There's just one problem: He wasn't doing a very good job at being a spy. That's because he was not trying to hide what he was doing in the least bit.

It's well known that most manufacturers have engineers walk the show floor and pry at the latest vehicles. Some do it very deceptively while others are more carefree about it. Sometimes you'll see someone taking measurements or inspecting shut lines way more closely than anyone normally would. And then there's this Emmy-award winner.

This particular engineer had a bound book with images of specific trim bits to inspect. As you can see there's a tremendous amount of detail in this book.

Frankly, we've never seen anything with this level of sophistication or planning before.

Take a look for yourself, below!


2015 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA)

MDarringer - 9/20/2015 8:08:24 PM

+1 Boost

Any idea the manufacturer who employs the engineer? Hyundai/Kia? The Chinese?

Sciros - 9/20/2015 10:01:58 PM

+8 Boost

The booklet is Korean so Hyundai, most likely.

jeffgall - 9/20/2015 10:23:57 PM

+8 Boost

What a surprise. A Korean ripping off German styling and engineering. It is pretty much cliché.

MDarringer - 9/20/2015 10:34:43 PM

+6 Boost

And ripping off the played out moves of Audi. Hilarious.

pepito66 - 9/21/2015 9:32:47 AM

-1 Boost

Disgusting that's why you see a lot of them taking pic and next day they using German design in all your cars. Hopefully and I am not sorry for them. They never get the original identity of the German cars , talent used and millions they use to create theirs master pieces, and also tested, this is unique. Bmw , Audi and Mercedes are original . All those "spy" guy sent to get info and then make just a cheap copy sorry but this is the only thing you can do. Shame.

Vette71 - 9/21/2015 10:43:13 AM

+3 Boost

Kinda naive comments here. This has been going on in every industry's trade shows(public environments and not clandestine) since the small camera was invented. Automotive, computer, medical, etc.etc. It is all part of understanding your competition, learning best practices and designs, and so forth. And yes the German's do it too. On the day the Ford Maverick was in 1970 there was one that was purchased by an individual from a dealer that was already completely taken apart at the GM tech center. Reverse engineering.

Agent00R - 9/21/2015 6:16:59 PM

+1 Boost

We're not surprised that this happens but we've never seen it with this level of sophistication and shear brashness.

This individual was in the car moments after the launch and taking his sweet time. According to 001 he even was being told to get out and refused.

That's something we've NEVER seen.

w222 - 9/22/2015 11:05:24 AM

+1 Boost

so what's new? companies spying on companies, countries spying on countries. You're only guilty until you're caught. But let's not kid ourselves, everyone does it.