![BMW to join Smart in look-alike suit [update]](http://cdn.leftlanenews.com/photos/content/august2007/thumbnails5.0/ceo-1_62.jpg)
![BMW to join Smart in look-alike suit [update]](http://cdn.leftlanenews.com/photos/content/august2007/thumbnails5.0/ceo-2_62.jpg)
China Automobile Deutschland, the company accused of stealing designs from BMW and Smart, has rejected the claims against it, stating that it had approval from the Chinese government to build the cars as its defense. “ Noble and CEO cars, approved by the Chinese government, are legal products,” a spokesperson for China Automobile Deutschland told reporters. BMW and Smart threatened to sue China Automobile Deutschland if they showed either car at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month, something the spokesperson said the company has no intentions of doing.
It appears that China Automobile Deutschland — the same company Mercedes-Benz is considering suing over a ForTwo look-alike — might be facing similar legal action from BMW. China Automobile Deutschland’s latest SUV, dubbed the CEO, draws a strong resemblance, especially from a rear and side profile view, to the last-generation BMW X5 . The CEO is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
According to Automotive News, BMW considering legal action if the CEO is unveiled and may attempt to halt distribution of the SUV in Europe. The IAA, the governing body for next month’s show, has regulations in place that would require copyright violators to remove its products, and its entire exhibition space, from the show floor if a court-imposed injunction is filed.
