For a Chinese automaker Jiangling Motor. The British accuse the company of allegedly copying the appearance popular model Range Rover Evoque by creating your own clone - Landwind X7.
This is a rather rare step taken by foreign auto companies to deal with Chinese counterparts - the problem itself has been around for many years, and many large manufacturers have faced it.
According to a representative of JLR, owned by the Indian company, the lawsuit was filed in one of the courts in Beijing. According to him, the reason for this step was the next actions of the company, which violated copyrights and conduct unfair competition. However, the most obvious reason for Jaguar's dissatisfaction Land Rover became sharp drop crossover sales in China with the advent of the local "analogue".
A spokesman for Landwind declined to comment.
Meanwhile, this is not the first attempt by Jaguar Land Rover to ban the Chinese from producing the Landwind X7. The previous one failed miserably in 2014. Then the PRC authorities supported their manufacturer in this matter and did not recognize the fact of theft of the intellectual property object. As a result, the British brand had to retreat.
Risk of losing face
Despite the widespread practice of imitation and often frank copying of the design of foreign brands Chinese competitors, global automakers are trying to avoid conflicts with local companies in Chinese courts.
The chances of winning against them are extremely low due to the lobbying of their interests by the government.
In addition, litigation can have a bad effect on brand perception, as the Chinese public tends to believe that foreigners are trying to intimidate domestic competitors in this way.
“If JLR does win its case, it might inspire other automakers to follow in their footsteps,” said Beijing-based lawyer Chen Jihong, who works for a law firm specializing in intellectual property law.
Inside the clone
The public noticed the similarity of these two models as soon as the Chinese introduced their “new product” in 2014. At that time, the Evoque was already actively sold in China and was in good demand. At the same time, Jiangling Motor has thrown all its efforts into promoting its own version of the crossover in the domestic market. The model was demonstrated at all auto shows, including the Chinese auto show in Chongqing, one of the largest cities in the world, where the Gazeta.Ru correspondent met this car.
At first glance, these cars differed only in name and price: Chinese crossover the cost is about three times lower than the original.
Same body lines, shape rear lights and a similar grille. On special sites, special offers even appeared - Land Rover nameplates, which could be bought for $ 20 and attached to a Chinese clone. But already inside the cabin, plastic inserts under the tree, which could be reached with bare hands, were striking.
If the Chinese were quite frivolous with the design of the Evoque, then they went their own way when it came to filling. So, under the hood, the Landwind X7 has a turbocharged two-liter Mitsubishi engine with a capacity of 190 hp. It is paired with a six-speed "mechanics" or an eight-speed "automatic". IN basic configuration climate control, cruise control, navigation system, camera rear view, multimedia system with 10.2 inch screen. Keyless entry to the cabin is also available, and the engine can be started with a button. The Chinese also have an electronic parking brake, assistance systems at the start and on the rise. Also available as an option leather interior, heated front seats. Optionally, you can order a leather interior, heated front seats, a lane control system, a huge panoramic roof and other useful bells and whistles. In China, the car costs about $24,000.
Similar precedents
A JLR spokesperson said that the company had previously been able to get Jiangling banned from selling the X7 in Brazil. It is also reported that now the two manufacturers are in talks about the future appearance of the new generation X7. At the same time, experts agree that the litigation may drag on.
Eg, Honda motor it took 12 years to win a case in China against an obscure local automaker.
All this time, the brand copied the look of the CR-V SUV. Eventually Japanese company received only 16 million yuan ($2.43 million) in compensation instead of the expected 300 million.
Background
Disputes between Chinese automakers and European brands began in 2007, when imports flooded into Europe. Chinese cars. The first "clone" that caused the most negative response was the Noble compact (translated from English - "noble", "noble"), which is similar to another compact, but from Mercedes-Benz- automobile Smart ForTwo. The authors of this clone list the same Shuanghuan. However, it cannot be said that the Chinese did not try to cover their tracks: they slightly lengthened the “baby” and made it a four-door, in contrast to the two-door Smart.
The Chinese dealer even decided to take such a step as the presentation of this car at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. There they said that the difference in the price of the original and the "clone" is almost threefold - €19,000 and €7,000, respectively.
In response, Mercedes said it would take legal action because "the Chinese want to cash in on Smart's 'cool' looks." At the same time, they miss important factor- safety. However, the court was not required, since in Europe there was no a large number wishing to change to a dubious compact even for €7,000. What can not be said about the CEO. Desire to acquire cheap car, which is very similar to the super-popular X5, nevertheless appeared among the Europeans.
At home - in Bavaria - BMW achieved victory over the Chinese without any problems.
The Germans said that the CEO was just a "vulgar copy" of the BMW X5; insisting on this, they won the trial in Munich. Then in Italy, the Chinese had problems with FIAT, which did not want to recognize the originality of the Grate Wall Peri hatchback. The Italians explained in court that this car is one to one similar to a hatchback FIAT Panda, the exception is a slightly modified front end.
It got ridiculous: some parts, such as the side doors on both cars, are interchangeable. This did not stop the Chinese from denying all the accusations, saying that they made Peri on their own and spent about 300 million yuan (about $40 million) on it. Unlike the Germans, here the Italian judges went to meet their automaker.
Little known Chinese Landwind company at the end of autumn 2014, at a presentation in the city of Guangzhou, she presented her, perhaps, the most outstanding creation - a crossover called the Landwind X7.
IN mass production he entered in mid-July 2015, but exclusively within the automobile market of the Middle Kingdom. When exactly the car will get to Russia and whether it will get at all remains in question.
So, what is so outstanding about the Chinese novelty? - The fact is that this car is almost 100% a copy of the popular English Crossover Range Rover Evoque, which is currently presented in 2 generations.
Exterior.
So, the body of the new Landwind, although it strongly resembles the performance of the Range Rover Ewok, upon closer inspection, certain differences become noticeable, the main of which is an incomprehensible feeling of cheapness. There are feelings comparable to those that cause a comparison of the original smartphone and its Chinese counterpart, forgeries. But it is worth paying tribute to the manufacturers, because this is what made the novelty so discussed.
The front part of the body is represented by a massive “muzzle” with a narrow radiator grille, completely copied headlamps and embossed fog lamps in combination with an air intake divided in two. The lower part of the bumper is made of plastic in black and silver colors.
The side surface does not have any features, with the exception of a pair of smooth lines and a large embossed plastic insert, which is a continuation of the overall all-round body edging.
The back part is made in the same maximally copied manner. Approximately identical headlights, trunk lid, and most importantly, a massive plastic bumper with 2 pipes exhaust system, which are almost family trait Evoque line.
Salon.
Despite the fact that the car is inherently a fake, the interior looks pretty solid and technologically advanced.
steering wheel and dashboard full of interactive, and central position on the dashboard is a multimedia complex with a 10.2-inch screen. Below is the climate control system.
The upholstery of the seats, the execution of the dashboard and the lining on the doors are made of high-quality materials, but unfortunately everything is limited to plastic and fabrics - there are no metal ones, but there is an abundance of leather elements.
Specifications.
Body.
The dimensions of the car are: 4.42 m long, 1.91 m wide, and 1.63 m high. The wheelbase is 2.76 m, and the ground clearance is at around 0.168 m.
Volume luggage compartment unknown, but it is known that the possibility of folding the rear sofa to increase the luggage space is available.
Chassis.
The novelty stands on a modular platform from another representative of the company from the Middle Kingdom - Landwind X8. The suspension is fully independent, with MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link at the rear.
Disc brakes are installed on all wheels, and the front ones are ventilated. For convenience, the steering is supplemented with an electric power steering. There is also ABS.
Engine information.
According to the rather scarce available information, it is known that the Mitsubishi 4G63S4T turbocharged engine with a volume of 2 liters is supplied as the only power plant provided. Its performance is represented by 190 "horses", combined with 250 Nm of torque, which is achieved in the range of 2800-4400 rpm. Unfortunately, the developers decided not to make public information about the speed characteristics and the amount of fuel consumed.
It is known that a manual transmission and an automatic transmission are provided in conjunction, with 6 and 8 steps, respectively. The car itself, regardless of configuration, is front-wheel drive.
Estimated configuration and cost.
According to official data, the Landwind X7 price ranges from $21,700 to $24,200. The starting kit includes the following package of options:
- regular navigation system;
- climate control;
- rear parking sensors;
- lane control system;
- multimedia complex;
- standard audio system on CD-ROMs;
- keyless start system;
- sunroof;
- leather inserts in the cabin;
- seat heating;
- power windows.
And some more useful options.
August 15, 2016, 01:34
One of the most controversial premieres of the past few years, many automotive critics called the announcement premium crossover, "erupted" at an automobile forum in Guangzhou, China at the end of 2014. The thing is that the presented model almost completely repeats its appearance and interior decoration British bestseller, which led to an avalanche of discussion and controversy after the premiere.
However, if initially loud scandal and a serious litigation seemed inevitable, then after a few months, Land Rover's management tempered their claims, tacitly approving the serial production of the "Chinese". Perhaps one of the conditions for obtaining such consent was a promise Chinese company-the clone manufacturer to limit the sale of new items to the domestic Chinese market, however, there was little consolation for JLR, because the British in the same 2014 invested hundreds of millions of dollars in opening production in China of this Evoque.
Most likely, having received advice about the futility of such a claim, JLR decided to wait for a more opportune moment. In addition, the Chinese Patent Office revoked the patents for the design of the car from both the Evoque (due to the fact that before the registration of the exclusive right to intellectual property in the PRC, the car was freely shown in other countries - an explanation that is possible only in the Middle Kingdom) and the clone - Landwind X7 (and here already because of the "close" with the Evoque appearance).
Twins outside
The car was the result of a joint development of engineers from Jiangling Motors and Changan Auto and is really very similar to the Evoque in all respects, from the general body architecture to separate elements appearance design.
Only by comparing the two crossovers very closely can you find differences. Chinese car from its more famous counterpart. Among the few differences can be called a small Landwind X7 radiator grille, decorated in the middle with a chrome bar with the manufacturer's emblem. The head optics are narrowed in the upper part, going to the front fenders, creating a kind of “squint” of the car. Fog lights unusual geometry spaced along the edges of the central part of the bumper.
Like the RangeRover Evoque, the Landwind X7 has an accentuated roof slope towards rear pillars body and a window sill line rising to the stern. Thanks to this design solution, the car looks sporty, assertive and dynamic. A high window sill line does not add practicality to the car, but it does appearance more stylish.
The novelty looks no less bright from behind. The developed spoiler above the narrow strip of the window of the fifth door received an LED brake light. In addition, LED filling is also compact marker lights. The lower part of the Landwind X7 body is covered with protective unpainted plastic.
Looking closely at the body of the crossover, it becomes noticeable far from the perfect fit of the elements. The joints of plastic body parts turned out to be the most uneven. External dimensions X7 indicate its belonging to the class of popular lately compact crossovers. The length of the car was 4420 mm, its width - 1910 mm, the height of the crossover is 1630 mm. The wheelbase of the "Chinese" fits into 2,760 mm. Small ground clearance at 168 mm will not allow the owner of the car to move far from the asphalt. For comparison, the dimensions of the Evoque: 4365 x 1900 x 1635 mm, wheelbase 2660 mm, ground clearance 215 mm.
… and inside
The five-seat interior of the Landwind X7 will not surprise you with anything special, although you won’t be able to find fault with the quality of interior trim and ergonomics. The interior architecture is made in the spirit of the same RangeRover Evoque. The main place on the center console is reserved for the 10.2-inch color touch screen of the multimedia system. A little lower is a small air conditioning control unit with a compact display and a pair of "twists".
The modern steering wheel is upholstered in natural leather in a combination of colors and slightly trimmed at the bottom. instrument panel looks concise and, perhaps, somewhat modest. At the same time, information from the arrow dials is read very well. The wide central tunnel is decorated with ebony inserts, on the left side of the console there is a keyless engine start button.
The front pair of seats provides a comfortable fit for the driver and passenger of almost any build. Passengers in the rear seats will also be comfortable, although the rear sofa, although designed for three people, will allow only two passengers to sit down with real comfort.
The trunk of the car, despite its small dimensions, has a good capacity, additional convenience is provided by a split backrest of the second row seats.
Equipment and engine
Even basic version"Chinese" will please richly equipped. Here are air conditioner, Cruise control, keyless system engine start and access to the salon, navigation system, rear view camera, as well as a number of other functions. Optionally, the crossover can be equipped with worse models more eminent German and Japanese manufacturers.
As a power plant, Landwind X7 received a licensed 4-cylinder 2-liter engine - an analogue Mitsubishi engine 4G63S4T equipped with a turbocharger system and distributed fuel injection. The proposed motor is capable of developing maximum power at 190 hp and has a peak thrust of 250 Nm.
Future owners of Landwind X7 will be able to choose one of two possible boxes gears - a 6-speed mechanical unit and an 8-band automatic transmission. The car is exclusively front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive crossover can't be ordered even as an option.
The design of the machine is based on the original platform with an independent suspension type with front MacPherson struts and a multi-link system at the rear. Steering added electric amplifier, the front pair of brake mechanisms has ventilated discs.
Price
This is probably the only parameter of the two crossovers that differs so obviously. Officially manufactured in China Factory Land rover crossover The Evoque goes to dealers starting at $68,000 US dollars, while the Landwind X7 is priced "confusingly similar," according to the Russian legislation, is only from $ 19,600. Thus, here the score is 1: 3, but in whose favor it is up to the buyers to decide. By the way, statistics show that Landwind X7 is selling like hot cakes in China - this is the most successful model throughout the history of the Landwind brand and currently generates 70% of all company sales.
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The new Chinese crossovers of 2018-2019 were replenished with the Landwind X7 SUV, which has undergone a large-scale modernization. In our review, the new Landwind X7 2018-2019 - photo, price, equipment and specifications Chinese clone of the British premium crossover.
Having survived the restyling, the infamous Landwind X7 acquired a less similar exterior design to the Ewok, a modernized interior and the latest 163-horsepower turbocharged 1.5 GTDI petrol engine in the company with 8 automatic transmissions. Sales of the updated Landwind X7 2018-2019 model year in China have already started price 129800-139800 yuan (about 1140-1228 thousand rubles). For reference: Range Rover Evoque is sold in the Celestial Empire at a price of 453,700 yuan (3,985 thousand rubles).
Let's start our review with short excursion into history. The pre-reform crossover Landwind X7 debuted on Chinese market in 2015 made a lot of noise not only in China, but throughout the world. The Chinese brand Landwind, which is under the control of Changan Auto, has launched an exact copy of the British Range Rover Evoque crossover. The Chinese clone, which received the name Landwind X7, exactly copied the Ewok to the smallest detail, but at the same time it was offered at a price several times cheaper than the original. Jaguar Company Land Rover tried for several years to ban the release of a brazen fake, but to no avail. As a result, the management of the British company decided to abandon the demonstration of concept cars, so that they would not be copied by Chinese manufacturers.
So Landwind X7 can be safely considered the most famous Chinese clone with a scandalous reputation, which, by the way, does not prevent the model from being sold in the Celestial Empire in solid quantities. And why buy a $68,000 Range Rover Evoque when you can buy a $19,600 Landwind X7.
In the process of updating and upgrading the X7 model of the Landwind brand, Chinese designers tried to minimize the visual similarity of the clone with the British original. But of course, it was not possible to completely get rid of the influence of Evoque. The updated Landwind X7 has got new front and rear parts bodies formed by original headlights, a false radiator grille, bumpers and stylish marker lights with sections located on the door luggage compartment. At the same time, the crossover received new hood, A wheel arches became less fluffy.
Headlights with LED daytime running lights, and taillights in the form of a chic LED garland that adorns the stern of the crossover.
- External dimensions The 2018-2019 Landwind X7 body is 4421mm long, 1911mm wide, 1631mm high, with a 2670mm wheelbase and 210mm ground clearance.
- Track front and rear wheels- 1625 mm.
The crossover comes standard with 18-inch alloys. rims with 235/60 R18 tires, larger 19-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 R19 tires are available as an option.
The interior of the restyled Chinese crossover Landwind X7 has changed minimally, but innovations are present, and very interesting. The manufacturer announced new, better finishing materials (soft plastic on the front panel and door cards), large quantity interior lighting points and make-up mirrors. In stock new combination devices with a large-sized color screen of the trip computer, modernized first-row seats and rear seats for a more comfortable fit.
Already in the basic configuration, the car will please with the presence of a mass of advanced equipment: frontal airbags, mounts for children ISOFIX seats, ABS with EBD and BAS, ASR and ESP, front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, cruise control, system keyless entry into the cabin and the engine start / stop button, an assistant when starting uphill.
There is also a panoramic sunroof, a factory anti-theft system, a multifunction steering wheel with a leather trimmed rim, a multimedia system with a 10.2-inch color touch screen (navigation, friendship with smartphones), power windows on all doors, rear-view mirrors with electric drive adjustments, heating and automatic folding function, dual-zone climate control, LED daytime running lights and marker lights with LED filling.
As additional options eco-leather seat trim, power front seats, heated driver and front passenger seats, all-round visibility system, lane control system, tire pressure sensors, side airbags and curtain airbags are offered.
Specifications Landwind X7 2018-2019. The crossover is built on a modern platform with a fully independent suspension architecture (McPherson strut front, multi-link rear). The drive is front-wheel drive by default, and the system all-wheel drive not offered even for a surcharge despite technical capability(the rear suspension is multi-link and, if desired, it is possible to install a clutch that connects the rear wheel drive). Brakes of all wheels are disk with an electric drive of a parking brake.
most important technical acquisition The updated Landwind X7 is a modern petrol four-cylinder turbocharged engine 1.5 GTDI (163 hp 250 Nm), working in a company with 8 automatic transmissions from the Chinese company Shengrui. A turbocharged engine and a modern 8-speed automatic provide the novelty with a maximum speed of 175 mph, fuel consumption according to the manufacturer with mixed driving is only 8.9 liters.
It is worth noting that new motor replaced the licensed 2.0-liter turbocharged Mitsubishi engine 4G63S4T (190 hp 250 Nm) with fuel consumption in the combined driving mode of 10.4-10.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
Wise Chinese manufacturers have realized one fact, it is simply useless to compete with European exterior creators. Therefore, the developers of the Celestial Empire went in a reasonable and cunning way - they decided to create copies of the most successful models. What happened, a majestic and powerful SUV- Landwind X7. This car has become worthy second offer in the brand line. Unfortunately, the company still works exclusively in the Chinese market, and does not officially sell its cars in other countries, although there are already two happy owners of this model in Russia.
Titled critics and distinguished experts from many countries agreed that the created analogue of the Range Rover Evoque turned out to be no worse than the original, and in some moments even superior to its "blood brother" - the British crossover, because it looks truly elite. By the way, the Range Rover Ewok did not expect such a blow in the stomach, and while patent proceedings and recovery from the blow take place, Landwind will have a lot of time to sell the handsome Chinese Landwind X7.
Detailed analysis of the Landwind X7 design
Landwind X7 has become one of the most popular developments of Chinese engineers. And while the price of the Landwind X7 in Russia is only being negotiated, but motorists have already managed to buy it without a guarantee. The colorful photos that the Chinese Range Rover boasts and boasts of are already rapidly conquering the Internet, and direct buyers admire the appearance features of the charming crossover:- the copied model of the British manufacturer, of course, is discouraging, it will be difficult for Chinese opponents to sue with such hands;
- although the cost of such a car is close to the original, because there is something to be proud of;
- minor design refreshes make the Landwind X7 an extravagant crossover;
- it is worth noting that Chinese developers have not forgotten about inner comfort cabin, providing the driver and passengers with wonderful upscale seats;
- a copied model of the Range Rover Ewok, almost like two peas alike, but still has some interesting improvements.
This car created a sensation in its homeland, where it was nicknamed the Chinese Land Rover, and was at the center of the scandal. As expected in such cases, the developers of Chinese cars, conquering the heights of the automotive market, divided Russian motorists into two camps. The first half unanimously declared that the development of mechanical engineering in the East will take a leading position in world society, and also admired the beautiful design of Landwind X7. The second half argued that this transport is doomed to failure and will not have a future, and that you need to develop your own cars. But so that the jubilant crowd does not scream, and expert critics of X7 know weighty arguments to prove their case.
The company's coherence is the successful assembly of the Landwind X7 crossover
Looking at the charming appearance of the SUV, as well as looking under the hood of the Landwind X7, one can realize that the flight of engineering thought of Chinese developers is captivating with its ingenuity. The corporation offers its admirers excellent technology. When developing a copy of the Range Rover, certain points were taken into account that would be useful to the original itself. If from photographs, scandalous development, it breathes power and sympathy, then technical side auto is distinguished by the following parameters:- the Chinese SUV was equipped with an exceptional engine with a volume of 2 liters and a capacity of 190 horsepower;
- Landwind X7 is equipped with impeccable gearboxes, in a mechanical version for 6 ranges, as well as an automatic one - in 8 steps;
- one of the advantages of this SUV was a shortened base, unlike its overall original;
- in addition to the main advantages, Chinese developers have introduced many convenient economic advantages into the car;
- such design features raised the SUV highest level, which helped this car to become interesting and in demand in its homeland.
Not only Chinese engineers, but also Japanese professionals, together with European designers, contributed to the development of a promising car. Given that the development of Landwind x7 cost the concern a round sum, the price of Landwind x7 is not much different from the British original. But still, many are looking forward to this model, because a decent SUV is worth it.
Chinese Landwind X7 operating experience
I am sure that if the Landwind X7 is lucky enough to enter the Russian market officially, it will make a splash, and there will be no end to buyers. Landwind X7 costs half as much as the real Range Rover Ewok, which cannot but please consumers. In the photo, the car looks simply gorgeous, and the main parameters delight any motorist. Therefore, the corporation has no doubts about the popularity of its new product in its homeland, especially since buyers who have purchased a car emphasize such main characteristics Landwind x7:- Landwind X7 proved to be much better than other models of the Chinese manufacturer;
- the car is quite comfortable and is not inferior to the quality of the ride on the original;
- we note that the X7 has exciting technologies that make driving a pleasure;
- Very important point you can call the fullness of the machine with modern technologies;
- such benefits do not affect the price of the Landwind X7, and this is pleasant for the buyer.
Landwind X7 can be a pleasant surprise, which is very important for a potential owner new car. Today, no one wants to make a choice in favor of a new model just because beautiful appearance or because of the charms of the mechanisms that she has in her arsenal. The advantages that attract buyers of the Landwind E32 make you turn a blind eye to all the few shortcomings.
Drawing conclusions
Many people are sure that the equipment made in China is not even close to popular brands that are famous for their comfort and reliability. And, after all, cars have become open-mindedly much better. It would be difficult to imagine an SUV that is compared with the original from Land Rover, a couple of years ago.To date, the prototype of the British model occupies a leading position, gives excellent opportunities to potential buyers. The fate is not known at this time. Chinese Range Rover, but Russia will be looking forward to this model.
