BMW and DaimlerChrysler threaten legal steps if Chinese copies are shown at IAA

Automakers Bayerische Motoren Werke AG and DaimlerChrysler AG's Smart unit are threatening legal action over alleged cheap Chinese-made knock-offs of some of their models, should the cars be presented at the international automobile fair IAA in Frankfurt reported Automobilwoche magazine.

The Chinese-made SUV CEO as well as the compact Nobel model bear significant resemblance to BMW's X5 model and the Smart For-two.

'We have already taken steps against the marketing of the CEO in Europe. Should this car be presented at the IAA, we will look into taking further legal steps,' a BMW spokesman to the magazine.

A spokesman at DaimlerChrysler said it would take similar steps 'should the car in fact be shown at the IAA.'

Karl Schloessl, the owner of independent importer China Automobile Deutschland said he knew nothing of the legal action, but said it might well help sales of the model.

'This discussion could be useful, as helps put our products on the same shelf with those from BMW and Smart,' he told the magazine.

Schloessl said he is planning to sell the cars with a network of up to 100 dealerships in Germany starting in October.