CARVERSAL

​British consumers appreciate the Land Rover Defender because of its distinctive off-road design and superior functional abilities. Various Chinese automobile companies released Defender-inspired models that provide equal design appeal and functionality at cheaper rates.

Our blog examines the Chinese Defender clone together with its relation to the original Defender model and the reasons behind its recent market success.

Jetour T2: An Affordable Alternative

Chery Automobile-owned Jetour T2, sold as a sub-brand, is yet another of this kind of vehicle with a look-alike to the Land Rover Defender. Available for about ₹20 lakhs, T2 is an economy version for those who want to have the look of the Defender without paying a large sum.

It is equipped with a boxy appearance, roof rails, and high ground clearance, just like the Defender's traditional form. The T2 is also equipped with a turbo petrol engine, a panoramic sunroof, a huge touchscreen with a 12-speaker Sony sound system, and a 360-degree camera.

However, some aspects, like the roof rails and tow hooks, do not function at all and are included solely for aesthetic purposes. There is some noise from the engine, poor fuel efficiency, and a tendency to be unstable once the vehicle crosses a speed level mentioned by some of its critics. The Jetour T2 remains a design and feature compromise that attracts price-conscious consumers even with its faults.

BAW 212: A Timeless Clone

It also has the BAW 212, a spit-and-image replica of the legendary Land Rover Defender. It's a true off-roader with switchable four-wheel drive, a reduction gearbox, and front and rear diff locks. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine churning out 150 PS and mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

The BAW 212 has amazing off-road capability, with 40-degree approach and 36-degree departure angles. The interior of the BAW 212 boasts a huge touchscreen and flattened bottom on the steering wheel. Amazing as it may seem, the BAW 212 is only £12,000, which makes it an excellent option for off-road drivers who don't need to spend a fortune.

Haval Xianglong: Defender-Inspired Design

Great Wall Motors' Haval Xianglong is another Land Rover Defender-inspired SUV. The Xianglong features round headlamps and a rear with a close look to the Defender. It exists in two flavors, both using a plug-in hybrid system.

Both the basic configuration and the top-tier model feature different powertrain setups, where the base variant includes a 1.5-liter internal combustion engine with electric motors, and the premium version includes a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine with stronger electrical motors. A 105 KM EV mode range accompanies the SUV together with its all-digital instrument panel and its big touchscreen infotainment system.

Legal Implications and Brand Protection

The similarity of Chinese vehicles with Land Rover Defenders has invoked legal cases for intellectual property rights protection. In one highly publicized case, Jaguar Land Rover achieved a court triumph against Jiangling Motor Corporation over copying the design of the Range Rover Evoque in their Landwind X7 model.

The Beijing Chaoyang District Court held that the Landwind X7 had five distinctive features stolen from the Evoque and created consumer confusion. Landwind X7 production was therefore halted, and Jaguar Land Rover was compensated.

Conclusion

Different cars have been produced in China that imitate the Land Rover Defender, sharing identical appearance and features but at a reduced cost.

Although these might be tempting to frugal consumers, their performance, construction quality, and the bigger problem of intellectual property rights should be considered before making a purchase.

Read More: Land Rover Defender in India: Is This ₹2.85 Cr Beast the Ultimate SUV?

FAQs

Q1. Why do Chinese manufacturers produce vehicles that resemble the Land Rover Defender?

Chinese manufacturers aim to offer cheaper clones of best-selling overseas models. With the same design, they appeal to those who desire the appearance and abilities of luxury vehicles without the price tag.

Q2. Are they as good as the authentic Land Rover Defender?

Although they take the form of the Defender, the performance and quality may differ. Although some equal real off-road performance, others fall short in performance and also in longevity.

Q3. Have there been legal consequences for these copycat designs?

Yes, Jaguar Land Rover and other manufacturers have taken action against producers of near-identical copies of their vehicles, which has resulted in court decisions in favor of protecting the original design.

Q4. Are the Chinese automobiles exported to other foreign nations?

Availability varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and from model to model. Whereas some can be accessed in the foreign market, others are widely available in China and neighboring countries.

Q5. What are the things that customers should avoid while purchasing automobiles?

The potential buyers must take into account factors such as build quality, performance, post-sale services, and intellectual property rights issues in law while making a purchase.

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