Even though all major car shows are classed as ‘international’, whereby any manufacturer no matter where they are based can attend, shows are largely dominated by their home country brands.
At the Paris Motor Show, for example, Renault and Peugeot are the biggest draws. At the New York Motor Show, the likes of Chevrolet and Ford dominate the scene. And at the Beijing Motor Show, it is Chinese brands that make the biggest efforts, despite China being the biggest market for Mercedes-Benz.
The Beijing Motor Show
The Beijing Motor Show, also called Beijing International Automotive Exhibition or Auto China, has been held since 1990 and it has become one of the top four auto shows in the world. It has grown along with the Chinese car industry, which is now one of the largest and fastest growing.
Over the years, though, the car show has been marred with some controversy.
Nobody would dispute that the Beijing Motor Show is a reputable show, or that no large car manufacturers attend, but the show is a breeding ground for cloned cars. You see, there are a large number of Chinese car manufacturers who “dedicate” their cars’ design to European cars. They simply copy the design language of those cars and ship the final product with a different brand name. Take a look at the Gonow GA6470 for example – this is just a Range Rover Evoque.
Shameless knockoffs aren’t just a problem with the Chinese automotive industry, though. The consumer electronics sector is plagued with imitations. Over the years car manufactures like Ford, BMW, and Daimler have threatened to sue these companies, but nothing has come out of it.
Here are some of the finest imitations and proper cars shown off at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show:
Gonow GA6470
The Gonow GA6470 is a complete rip off of the Range Rover Evoque, but thankfully, Jaguar Land Rover need not be worried – the Gonow lacks the polish of an Evoque and the wheels are pathetically small.
Dongfeng Number One Sedan
The Chinese love their gadgets, and the Dongfeng Number One Sedan aims to cater to this market, and offer luxury travel to any man or woman who needs a mid-size exec to get to work in.
Hongqi L5
Styled in the likeliness of a 50s’ Chrysler, the Hongqi L5 is a car fit for the most elite of Government officials, with Rolls Royce Phantom lines and a red flag bonnet mascot.
Chery Alpha Concept
Here’s something new – a doppelganger concept. The Chery Concept Alpha is a knock off Chrysler 200, which hasn’t even been released yet, aside from in concept form.
Qoros 3 Hatchback
Take one look at the Qoros 3 Hatchback, and you will see some Golf, Scirocco, and Polo in it. Inspired by VW, this hatchback has an excellent safety rating and it even outperformed the new Lexus IS.
Next year
The 2015 Beijing Motor Show is likely to start from the 18th April 2015. Major car manufacturers and independent car sellers like Bristol Street Motors are looking forward to next year’s show to see how far the Chinese car manufacturers have come in one year. Maybe, just maybe, their might be less copied cars at the 2015 show and more original Chinese design… one can hope.
