If you can’t beat them, surprise them
Land Rover has tried to fend off automakers copying the designs of its vehicles, and it hasn’t been easy. It’s taking action against China’s Jiangling Motors for allegedly ripping off the Range Rover Evoque, despite the risk of hurting its reputation in the world’s largest auto market by appearing to pick on a domestic automaker. Apparently Land Rover has come up with another, perhaps less divisive, solution to prevent future copycats.
Speaking with Auto Express, Land Rover design boss Gerry McGovern says the brand is “wary of showing new concepts.” Why? Because that gives other automakers the time to copy its design. If you recall, the automaker didn’t reveal a concept version of the new Range Rover Velar.
“The success of Jaguar Land Rover is based partly on its unique design and engineering attributes, which we believe are worth protecting across all markets,” a Jaguar Land Rover spokesperson told Auto Express.
Jiangling’s Landwind X7 looks almost identical to the Range Rover Evoque, but it’s certainly not the only “copycat” vehicle out there. Automakers have been accused of copying everything from the Smart Fortwo, BMW X5, and Honda CR-V.
Land Rover’s plan to avoid concept vehicles may see a little extreme. After all, who’s to stop ill-inclined automakers from copying Land Rover’s production models? Still, if it makes just a little difference, it could be worth the headache and money saved on legal fees.
Source: Auto Express