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A Chinese SUV Gained Attention For Being an Almost Identical Copy of the Range Rover Evoque. The Case Was So Extreme That Even the Chinese Justice Decided to Act
The Landwind X7, a Chinese vehicle very similar to the famous Range Rover Evoque, promised luxury at a much more affordable price. Costing around US$ 20,000, the SUV generated considerable controversy in the automotive sector. However, after a legal battle, Jaguar Land Rover managed to halt its production.
The Growth of the Chinese Automotive Industry
In recent years, China has established itself as a powerhouse in the automotive sector. The country, previously known for replicating tested designs, now invests heavily in technology, especially in electric cars.
Still, imitations of iconic models continue to emerge. A recent case was the Dongfeng Cybertruck, inspired by Tesla’s creation. Before it, the Landwind X7 attempted to copy the successful formula of the Range Rover Evoque.
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Range Rover Evoque
Manufactured by Jiangling Motor Corporation, the Landwind X7 was virtually identical to the Range Rover Evoque. Even the name emblazoned on the hood resembled the branding of the British manufacturer.
But the most striking difference was the price: while the original model cost much more, the Chinese clone sold for just US$ 17,500.
The car hit the Chinese market in 2016 and quickly attracted attention. For consumers, it seemed like an irresistible alternative. But for Jaguar Land Rover, it was a clear case of copyright violation.
The Justice Decision and the End of the Landwind X7
However, in March 2019, a Chinese court ruled in favor of Jaguar Land Rover, becoming a historic case. The court determined that:
- The Landwind X7 copied five specific design elements from the Range Rover Evoque, violating Jaguar Land Rover’s intellectual property rights.
- Jiangling Motors should immediately cease production and sales of the Landwind X7.
- Jaguar Land Rover should receive compensation (amount not officially disclosed).
This decision was significant because, for the first time, a foreign company won such a lawsuit in China against a local automaker.
The case represented a milestone for intellectual property protection in the country, demonstrating that the Chinese government was beginning to crack down on blatant copies of foreign products.
Although production has been halted, some units still roam the streets of China. Recently, a YouTuber acquired one of these models and assured that the resemblance was so great that “no one would notice the difference.”
With information from supercarblondie.
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