Smart ForTwo

24th November 2006

	However, although one Chinese model has been stopped in its tracks, there's still an invasion on the way - and not all the vehicles are European copies

Copying others isn't smart - just ask Chinese firm Shandong HuoYun Electromobile. We revealed its City Spirit in issue 933, but production of the Smart ForTwo-inspired look-alike electric car has now ceased.

Following our story, Daimler-Chrysler has threatened to sue HuoYun, and output at the Shandong plant has ground to a halt while the design of the battery-powered car is changed. The revisions will ensure it looks different from the Smart.

However, although one Chinese model has been stopped in its tracks, there's still an invasion on the way - and not all the vehicles are European copies.

Just check out the Chery Fengyun II Coupé. While the firm made its name in Europe with the QQ, a Chevrolet Matiz-inspired city car, this sporty two-door offering is an original design.

Similarly, Geely's angular Fengyin Concept looks more like the Batmobile than a Smart. The model was unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show.

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