Scoop: Did BMW Clone its X1 Into the China Market Zinoro EV SUV?

When it comes to China and automotive doppelgangers, it's Chinese manufacturers cloning Western carmakers' models, but what you're seeing here is a European company turning one of its own cars into a Chinese-badged product, in this case, BMW using the X1 as a base for its upcoming Zinoro brand.

At least that's what it looks like because BMW may further alter the design of the car before it reaches production.

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Mercedes, BMW and Audi of China Investigated for Using…Asphalt as Sound Deadener

We had honestly not heard of asphalt (normally used to pave roads) being utilized as a sound deadening material, let alone by luxury automakers. However, the Administrative Center for Defective Products of China (DPAC) has announced that it will be launching an investigation into the use of the material by Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

It's actually not the manufacturers directly, but rather their Chinese joint-ventures (Beijing-Benz, Brilliance-BMW and FAW-VW).

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Turn Your Brilliance into a BMW and Your BYD Into a Lexus for as Low As $63 with Chinese Kits

Chinese carmakers cloning parts or even entire vehicles from Western companies, is nothing new or surprising, though, we will admit to raising an eyebrow when we saw joint-venture partners of European brands blatantly copying their business companion's designs, as was the case with Brilliance and the very BMW X1-like V5 SUV, and BAIC's call-me-maybe Mercedes-Benz B-Class lookalike, the "BC301Z".

Taking advantage of lax copyright laws and a system that turns a blind eye as long as these companies keep up appearances (pun intended) by avoiding the use of names and logos on their vehicles, many Chinese carmakers have managed to get away with it.

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BMW to Launch New Sub-Brand for China to Comply with Government Regulations

BMW and its Chinese partner Brilliance Auto are reportedly setting up a new sub-brand for the domestic market. According to reports from Chinese media, vehicles sold under the new sub-brand will be based on the previous generation 3-Series’ platform.

The same reports also mention that the BMW-Brilliance joint venture has registered a new brand name called “Zhi Nuo”, which translates into English as “The Promise”. However, neither BMW nor Brilliance haven't confirmed these reports.

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After the BMW X1, China's Zhonghua Looks for Inspiration in the Alfa Romeo Giulietta

We cannot keep up with all the production and concept models that are coming out from China and the design of which either bluntly copies or is directly inspired from a Western automaker's model(s).

Just recently, a Chinese website caught hold of some pictures of a new prototype model from Brilliance Auto's Zhonghua brand.

You don't have to live in Milan to see that the design of the unnamed compact crossover takes its inspiration from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta, be that in the shape of the lights, the hidden rear door handles or the sharp lines on the front and rear fenders.

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Auto China 2012: Brilliance Auto Greater China II Concept and H230 Compact Sedan

The BMW Group's Chinese partner Brilliance Auto displayed three new models at the 2012 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition including an impressive concept for a mid-size sedan called the 'Great China II'.

The Chinese company said the prototype study would spawn a production model within the next two years that will sit atop of its range. The saloon measures close to 5 meters in length and features a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

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