2007 Bologna Auto Show: Chinese Smart Clone Presented in a Parking Lot

Last week we reported that Daimler has stopped a Chinese minicar that resembles the Smart ForTwo from being shown this year Bologna auto show. Martin Motors, a European distributor Chinese Smart clone presented the minicar in a parking lot outside the Bologna auto show today.

Martin Motors was under court orders not to display the vehicle, which resembles the Smart ForTwo, at the show.

But Martin Motors said it wanted the press to form its own opinion whether the two models are lookalikes.

The minicar, which is called the Bubble, is built by Chinese carmaker Shuanghuan.

Smart parent Daimler alleges the Bubble violates its intellectual property rights.

Martin Motors had originally hoped to show the Bubble on its stand in Bologna, but, following the injunction, the stand featured a big empty space where the car should have been.

The Bubble had to be shown in a parking lot at the Bologna Auto Show due to a court injunction. Daimler is trying to stop Chinese car producer Shuanghuan from a Smart clone on to the European market.

The two models are substantially different, Martin Motors argues. “We want everyone to see in real life how a four-seat front-engine front-wheel drive minicar differs from a rear-engine rear-wheel drive two-seater,” said Martin Motors spokesperson Viviana Martinelli.

The importer is proceeding with the European homologation of the Bubble, but will begin sales only when the court case with Daimler is resolved. Martin Motors has already appealed the injunction.

The court now has to rule if the Chinese minicar violates Daimler’s copyright.

If the court sides with Martin Motors, it will begin selling the 68hp 1.1-liter Bubble in Italy and Romania by the end of December. The car will cost 10,500 euros ($15.225) in Italy and about 10,000 euros ($14,500) in Romania.

[source: Luca Ciferri / Automotive News]