Currently reading: Rolls may sue over Geely's clone
Rolls-Royce spokesman admits company may take legal action over Phantom 'clone'

A Rolls-Royce spokesman has admitted the company may take legal action against Chinese car maker Geely over the similarities between its Geely GE model and the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The 5.4-metre Geely GE prototype was unveiled at this week's Shanghai motor show, painted black and given pride of place on a raised plinth in the middle of Geely’s huge stand.

Read the Shanghai motor show report, and see pictures of all the weird and wonderful cars on display here

It made obvious reference to the Rolls in the shape of its cabin, windows and down-sloping rear deck. However, its nose, beneath which is mounted a 3.5 litre V6, is considerably shorter than the Rolls's.

The 'Grecian temple' grille is close to being a Rolls copy, though, and it is topped by a figure which seems to draw much influence from Rolls-Royce's traditional Spirit of Ecstasy, except that the figure slopes backwards.

Although Rolls-Royce spokesmen were initially reluctant to comment on the similarites, a spokesman has now told the Daily Telegraph newspaper: "Rolls-Royce is currently keeping its options open and is in consultation with its legal advisers."


Shanghai motor show

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