Fake In China: Beijing Auto Claims Patent To G-Wagen Design
Beijing Auto is working on a new BJ80V4x4. The old one was based on the Beijing-Jeep Cherokee. In a legit way: The Cherokee was brought in by the joint venture with AMC and later Chrysler. After that fell apart, Chrysler left the tooling behind in Beijing. The new B80V seems to be heavily inspired by yet another 4×4 classic:
The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen, after it received a Jeep-grille.
Carnewschina, which keeps an eye on Chinese cars that have been inspired by foreign designs, notes:
“Interestingly, Beijing Auto also has a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz, called Beijing-Benz, which makes the C-class, E-class and GLK-class for the Chinese market. Beijing Auto, shows to be a good friend indeed…”
If Daimler wants to assert ownership to the iconic Kübelwagen-design, then they better move fast. Beijing Auto submitted the drawings to the Chinese patent office.
Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.
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Interesting, given Apple's recent troubles with the iPad - a local company has asserted rights to the iPad trademark which have been upheld by a Shanghai court. Now shipments of exports could be threatened, which totally disrupt Apple's supply chain.
MacArthur must be laughing his head off!