autoevolution
 

BMW Loses X5 Clone Lawsuit

Although it's obvious that Shuanghuan CEO's side and rear were based on BMW's old X5 model, the German manufacturer has just lost a court action that claimed the Chinese vehicle copied its luxury SUV. For those of you who missed the news, BMW accused Shuanghuan Automobile for copying a number of X5 features, including the side, the rear and various elements of the interior. A court in Milan rejected BMW's suit a few days ago after a Munich judge ruled in the favor of the German carmaker in July.

BMW has lost another court action and officials of the Chinese carmaker do nothing more than to praise their model and sustain the car is not even close to the X5, sporting numerous different elements visible from both the exterior and the interior.

"We are convinced the CEO wasn't a clone of the X5. We are happy to see our view supported by a court ruling," said Viviana Martinelli was quoted as saying by Autonews. Martinelli is currently spokeswoman for Martin Motors, the European distributor of Shuanghuan Automobile.

According to figures provided by the aforementioned source, the Chinese carmaker delivered approximately 300 vehicles to 87 Italian dealerships, with sales expected to grow in the first months of 2009. Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and the Czech Republic are set to bring the highest sales for Shuanghuan, representatives of the company stated, with total sales of 1,200 units forecasted for the next two months. Shuanghuan sold 300 vehicles in these markets, Carmen Covrig, general manager of the Romanian importer CEMI Group, was quoted as saying by the same source.

So, the judge says this isn't a clone of the first generation X5. Because your opinion has always been important for us, have a look at the two adjacent pictures and let us know what you think.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories