Are Chinese Copy-Cat Models Unethical?
BYD's T6 aka the Porsche Cayenne clone
By Michael Gauthier
May 7, 2009 1:40 PM
Filed Under: Asian, Design
With this latest photo showing the upcoming BYD T6, we're left wondering - are Chinese clones unethical and do they harm the perception of China's automotive industry?
Although the authenticity of this photoshopped scan could not be confirmed, the Cayenne knock-off is allegedly a real model expected to be released by BYD as the T6 in September 2010.
Judging from the image, the exterior differences between the T6 and Porsche Cayenne are virtually undistinguishable as the only change appears to be a minor reshaping of the front grille work and the addition of a BYD badge. Despite the Porsche styling, the T6 is reported to be equipped with an underpowered 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which will always remind owners that they're not in the real thing.
While the T6 is just the latest in a long line of copies, it represents everything that is wrong with China's automotive industry. In the past Mercedes, BMW, and Toyota have fought companies that released clones of their vehicles but without much success.
With some European brands falling under Chinese control, the country's more modern automakers have either stopped or cut down on their liberal "borrowing" of European and American designs. Despite this minor glimmer of hope, the fact remains that even one copy tarnishes the image of all China's automakers and reinforces the idea that Chinese cars are subpar.
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Comments
Edited by user on May 7, 2009 at 5:21 PM
The topic of this thread is "The Cayenne sold at RMB 100,000"
The first pic tells you that this BYD T6, powered by a 2.0L engine, will be on sale in Sep, 2010. The price is around RMB 100,000 (USD 15,000)
Actually, such kinds of copy are also widely criticised in China, esp on the internet. There is even one word, i.e. "Shanzhai", to describe such phenomenon.
But seriously, if knock-offs are all we can expect from China's automotive industry, I don't think the rest of the world has anything to worry about. Besides, Nike still sells better than Nile and Reebok still outsells Leebok.
such a flattering homage, right?
but you can always pick up one of those rip offs and have the bumper remade so that it'll really look like a porsche...
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