:( knockoff - Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan

[ash1]

knockoff - Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan
Genuine Article: Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan



Retail Price: $28,000-$55,000



Next best thing: A Geely Merrie. This shameless Chinese knockoff of a German classic incorporates some of the same designs as a C-class and, though somewhat smaller, is nearly identical in the nose and tail. You can get the Merrie for between $10k and $11k, a steal compared to the pound of flesh a real C-class costs. A legal adaptation of the Merrie, the provocatively named Freedom Cruiser, debuted at the Detroit Auto Show early this year, and sports the same Benz-like features as its black market predecessor. Geely plans to market the Freedom Cruiser in Puerto Rico in 2008, with mainland availability soon to follow. Provided your gold-digging squeeze doesn't notice the different logo on the hood, you'll be ridin' dirty in no time.



Legality: Iffy. The Geely is a tricky case. Technically, as long as they don't attempt to pass their model off as a Mercedes they're in the clear. But Benz could still make a case that the Merrie is stealing creative property in the form of design—and, if the Freedom Cruiser is marketed in the United States, odds are they will.
Geely Pics

[pimento]

Ahh those incorrigible Chinese auto-manufacturers. I saw some crash footage of a soft roader from there once, I think I'd be safer in my old mini. Still, when you can't afford to design your own car you'll get a better looking one by nicking someone else's than by just putting some bits and bobs together.

[Clivey]

Originally Posted by pimento

Ahh those incorrigible Chinese auto-manufacturers. I saw some crash footage of a soft roader from there once, I think I'd be safer in my old mini.

The Landwind SUV? Video's on Youtube, I'll post a link when I'm not at college.

[john14]

Are these Chinese auto-manufacturers Chinese owned companies or do American or European car companies or non-car companies own some of them?

[ruim20]

I really don't get it, why don't they spend a bit of time and draw they'r one cars... production wise it's the same, the plans have to be made, cheap copy or not...

[adrenaline]

I wouldn't think copying would have any effect on cost and time...It's not like they are working with the same dimensions as a merc...they have to design it all themselves. It's not a matter of "we are lazy", its a dumb plan to lure buyers into thinking they are getting a mercedes type product IMO.

[6speed]

Originally Posted by ash1

knockoff - Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan
Genuine Article: Mercedes-Benz C-class sedan



Retail Price: $28,000-$55,000



Next best thing: A Geely Merrie. This shameless Chinese knockoff of a German classic incorporates some of the same designs as a C-class and, though somewhat smaller, is nearly identical in the nose and tail. You can get the Merrie for between $10k and $11k, a steal compared to the pound of flesh a real C-class costs. A legal adaptation of the Merrie, the provocatively named Freedom Cruiser, debuted at the Detroit Auto Show early this year, and sports the same Benz-like features as its black market predecessor. Geely plans to market the Freedom Cruiser in Puerto Rico in 2008, with mainland availability soon to follow. Provided your gold-digging squeeze doesn't notice the different logo on the hood, you'll be ridin' dirty in no time.



Legality: Iffy. The Geely is a tricky case. Technically, as long as they don't attempt to pass their model off as a Mercedes they're in the clear. But Benz could still make a case that the Merrie is stealing creative property in the form of design—and, if the Freedom Cruiser is marketed in the United States, odds are they will.
Geely Pics

Someone want to enlighten me on this "Freedom Cruiser"?

[hec16]

do you think MB can sue them for that

[Coventrysucks]

If you actually confused the two cars, you'd be in need of urgent medical help.

[kingofthering]

blech.

[Clivey]

Don't you just love Chinese cars?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bDsgz2Jmz8

[RobPorsche]

It has the shape and dimensions of the previous generation Jetta. My Jetta was the first thing it reminded me of, except with wierd Mercedesish traits.

[Esperante]

That doesn't look much like a Mercedes, save the grille and the headlights. It's a lot cuter looking.

'Freedom Cruiser...' Sounds like George Pataki named it.

[NSXType-R]

The headlights look like it's from an old S class, but I don't see anything remotely similar to the C-class. It's not as similar as you want it to be.

[Clivey]

Originally Posted by Esperante

That doesn't look much like a Mercedes

It doesn't look anything like a Mercedes...just because it has four wheels etc. Lol.

In all honesty, if I saw that car out on the street, I'd think it was a 1998 model year Kia or Hyundai. It already looks 10 years old, it's anonymous and bland and as far as I can see, there's no actual design gone into any of it.