BMW 'copy' row

06th September 2007

This copycat X5 could prompt top brass at BMW and Smart to form an unlikely double act. But rather than joining forces to build new cars, they’re actually plotting to get rival models stopped!

Both of the German firms are threatening to take Chinese maker Shuanghuan to court for producing lookalike versions of existing vehicles. Executives at Smart – which is owned by Mercedes – are already unhappy about the company’s Noble city car, which bears a striking res­emblance to the ForTwo.

But Shuanghuan is now planning to display the tiny runabout on its stand at next week’s Frankfurt Motor Show, alongside a new off-roader badged CEO. From the rear, the SUV looks very similar to the previous-generation BMW X5, and this has prompted the blue propeller to threaten legal proceedings. “We will do everything within our power to protect the brand and its heritage,” said a BMW spokesman. If action is taken, the organisation behind the Frankfurt event, the IAA, has measures in place that could see the cars – and possibly Shuanghuan’s whole display – removed from the expo.