If THESE Chinese Clones Were Available Here At The Right Price Would You Seriously Consider Buying One?

If you're ever lucky enough to get to attend a Chinese auto show, I guarantee you one of the thrills of the day would be seeing all the clones that are showcased there.

We know there's no chance they would ever come here but lets dream the hypothetical...If they WERE available here at a super aggressive price, say under $20k for the Land Rover clone as a sample, would you ever consider rolling the dice and taking a chance on one? Just for fun?

From the article..."while "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", many Western car makers didn't really appreciate Chinese companies copying their cars and selling them for profit. Despite lawsuits and criticism, some companies continue to imitate Chinese cars, although their proportion has declined in the last couple of years. In this way, there are Chinese cars that share so many similarities with Western counterparts that it's sometimes hard to distinguish them, and a more detailed look is required to spot the differences."

TheSteve - 5/30/2018 12:36:27 AM

+1 Boost

No. Let me restate that... HELL NO!

Chinese "Clones" are more accurately called "knock-offs." They're like a fake Gucci watch: The look impressive from a distance, but up close, they're an obvious fake. The fit, finish, engineering, and reliability are deplorable.

And as far as I know, the Chinese have yet to prove they make respectable cars, even those made for the masses.

TomM - 5/30/2018 8:59:33 AM

+2 Boost

TheSTEVE - while I appreciate your concern - I also know that these Knock-off will likely be challenged if they attempt to export them to most Western nations - whose laws on copyrights are being infringed.

THAT having been said - the Title of the Article includes exactly what makes these things possible -ie - the RIGHT PRICE. THey were able to sell some Yugo's in the USA for the RIGHT PRICE - and I would suspect that these chinese vehicles are head and shoulders above that historic mess. IF they were to sell these vehicles for less than $10,000 - I would expect people standing in line - as they previously did for the first Korean cars brought here.

jeffgall - 5/30/2018 7:00:45 AM

+3 Boost

It is really quite sad. One would think the Chinese would be embarrassed for their lack of creativity and engineering skills, but some how I believe they are proud of their accomplishment in stealing efforts accomplished by the west (and Japan).

MDarringer - 5/30/2018 8:37:40 AM

+1 Boost

Some here are clearly ignorant of American history. When American car ownership began to take off, there was a plethora of car makers and many cheated by "taking inspiration" from other cars to get them on the road. The same cheating happened here, but only the Chinese are bad.

This also forces the question of whether--for example--a Range Rover Evoke is really worth the money and the answer is no.

The reality is that Land Wind--if sold here--would find customers because it looks like a Range Rover but doesn't carry the price tag.

For the western market, perhaps manufacturers need to focus on making their bread and butter cars look more premium.

xjug1987a - 5/30/2018 12:23:55 PM

-2 Boost

True Dat!

Truthy - 5/30/2018 10:57:00 AM

+2 Boost

Aside from the quality, these knock-offs would not pass US safety requirements. Apparently they fold up in crashes.
it is not just cars, they copy everything. A friend brought a dozen Monte Blanc knock-offs and they were laughably bad.

MDaranged, what American cars are knock-offs? Give me a break.

MDarringer - 5/30/2018 4:28:40 PM

-1 Boost

@Truthy reread what I said: "Some here are clearly ignorant of American history. When American car ownership began to take off, there was a plethora of car makers and many cheated by "taking inspiration" from other cars to get them on the road." At the dawn of car building in the USA there was a lot of cloning. That is well documented. Just because you (1) don't know that and (2) are too lazy to research it does not make it untrue.

llaroo - 5/30/2018 11:28:22 AM

+3 Boost

neverrrrrrrr

CarCrazedinCali - 5/30/2018 4:21:12 PM

+4 Boost

I prefer to survive car accidents thank you very much

MDarringer - 5/30/2018 4:56:38 PM

-1 Boost

Don't get a Tesla then.

carloslassiter - 5/31/2018 6:35:35 PM

+2 Boost

If only the US actually took a strong stance against IP protection and trademark infringement. But this President of ours either doesn't understand the issue, or thinks it doesn't matter.