Land Rover to complain about copycat Land Wind X7 :: report
The boss of Land Rover says his company will complain to Chinese officials about the Land Wind X7 SUV, which he has accused of “copying” the design of the Range Rover Evoque.
Land Rover CEO Ralf Speth says the Chinese-made Land Wind X7 – which bears more than a striking resemblance to the British Evoque – represents a breach of intellectual property laws.
“The fact that this kind of copying is ongoing in China is very disappointing,” Speth told Autocar.
“The simple principal is that it is not something that should happen; the intellectual property is owned by Jaguar Land Rover and if you break that IP then you are in breach of international regulations that apply around the world.”
Land Wind is the product of a joint venture between Chinese car makers Changan Auto and Jiangling Motors Corporation. The X7 goes on sale in China this week priced from the equivalent of about $25,000. The Evoque, by comparison, costs from about $72,000 in China.
Speth said Land Rover needed to protect itself against anything that threatens the integrity of its business.
“As a company we have invested heavily in China with our joint venture partner Chery,” Speth said. “That commitment is based on a clear business plan, that allows us to hit our sales targets at clear prices.
“I will talk to our officials and I will talk to our partners at Chery to find a way around this situation. I cannot imagine Chinese officials will be happy at any actions that undermine the credibility of the country.
“What we have seen today is not correct.”
Note: Images courtesy of PC Auto.
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