By Jen Dunnaway

Editor

The Beijing Motor Show is coming up, so get ready for another attack of the clones as the next generation of made-in-China imitaties flows forth from the automotive sweatshops of Geely, Chery, Dongfeng, and their ilk. One of the copy-bots I especially like is Geely’s new GLEagle, which looks a little like a retro-styled Samurai with a dash of FJ Cruiser thrown in for good measure. The high tube-steel bed rails just might be the only thing on this cute rig that’s original, though I’m getting the feeling I’ve seen those before too–Subaru Baja, maybe? In any case, wait’ll you see the new imitation London cab with which Geely is hoping to take over London from–um, actual London cabs. They’re calling it the “Englon”…come on, with a name like that, couldn’t they have at least had a sense of humor about it and just called it the “Engrish”? More pics below the jump, and read up on the latest Beijing Motor Show party-crashers at thetycho.com.

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By Katherine Helmetag

Atomicalex

Looks like Ford is close to closing a deal with Geely to sell the brand to the Chinese manufacturer. Geely has been the punch line of many automobile jokes over the past few years, so it’s no surprise they are shopping for a brand with both safety and style. Unlike the SAAB dealings over at GM, in which the brand and tooling are being broken up, the Volvo deal will include both. Could this be the first brush with the US market for the Asian newcomers? We’ll see when the IIHS and NHTSA have a go at any new designs. In the mean time, expect Volvo to remain a presence in the US with manufacturing contracted to Ford until a complete transfer can be arranged.

By Ron Honig

WaytooFurious

It has been said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This, however, is not a view that is held by Rolls Royce. What has riled Rolls Royce is the latest concept limo to come out of the Geely Automobile camp. The Geely Excellence has a lot of traditional Rolls Royce features, and these features have attracted the attention of the Rolls Royce managers and their lawyers. Get the full story here. Personally, I think that if you are going to release a new limo you have to come up with a better name than the Excellence.

By Rob Einaudi

Editor-in-Chief

The Shanghai Auto Show has some goofy stuff, but this Rolls Royce wannabe with one throne-like back seat takes the cake. Via Jalopnik

They’re coming. It’s not in doubt. NAIAS features three Chinese carmakers this year: Geely, Changfeng, and BYD. Geely gave a press conference two years ago with an incomplete vehicle. This year, they brought us several models which are significantly improved. And apparently, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Meet the Geely DTS, er, HIFUN.