Daimler sues Chinese copycat

Daimler has just sued Chinese automaker Shuanghuan Automobile from unveiling its Noble, a Smart ForTwo look-alike, at the Bologna Auto Show last week. Daimler claims the Noble infringes on its design copyright for the Smart ForTwo.

Daimler also obtained a similar order in September to prevent Shuanghuan from showing the Noble at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

To give you an idea, see both models below. The Smart ForTwo is on top, the Noble below.

  

Martin Motors, Shuanghuan's European distributor, says they will rename the Noble as the Bubble to avoid potential lawsuits with UK's Noble Auto. And they say that Daimler's suit is unfounded because the Noble/Bubble "is a four-seat, front-engined vehicle, while the Smart model is a two-seat car with a rear engine".

Read more at MotorTrader.

See also:

• BMW vs. Chinese copycats

Tags: automotive, auto industry, automotive industry, China, Chinese auto industry, Chinese automotive industry, Shuanghuan Automobile, Shuanghuan, Martin Motors, Noble, Bubble, intellectual property

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