Mercedes-Benz is considering taking legal action against Chinese automaker China Automobile Deutschland for making a car very similar to its ForTwo. China Automobile Deutschland plans on launching its microcar, called the Shuanghuan Noble , shortly after it debuts at next month’s Frankfurt Auto Show. Unlike Smart’s For-Two, the Noble has four seats.
According to Automotive News, China Automobile Deutschland will sell the car in Germany with a list price of 7,000 euros, making it the cheapest car in that market. Mercedes officials called the Noble “a blatant attempt to copy a product of ours that has achieved cult status worldwide.”
Klaus Schlössl, Managing Director of China Automobile Deutschland, responded by saying the car only bears a resemblance to the Smart For-Two from certain angles. He went on to say, “If I were the auto manufacturer I would not make such a big deal out of it. The cars are priced differently and are in a different class in terms of quality. There are many cars on the road today that look similar to each other.”
Images of the Noble and ForTwo to follow.
