CHINESE „SMART” Reporter Claudius Maintz of „Autobild”, in Dezhou, P.R. China at a production plant for fake SMART Fortwo. Prototypes of this Vehicle has been presented at several international Shows and the manufacturer has tried to sell it in Europe for Euro 3,970 per vehicle.

Company Brochure

The “car” is powered by an Electric Motor with 4 KW, a lithium-ion battery, and a max. Speed of 50 km/h

Fake and Original

Previous Product – Huoyon has been officially sold as car for kids. This was the base for the fake SMART.

Glass fiber “Stamping Shop” for Body Parts

Painting of the Glass Fiber Body.

After approx. 3 days the Body is ready for final Assembly.

Meanwhile at a different Spot in the Production facility the Chassis is pre- assembled.

Assembly of sound insulation and electrics.

Complete Vehicle. Current production capacity 2 vehicles/day, plans for capacity increase in case of additional demand are in place.

„Plug In”

Claudius Maintz had the opportunity for a test drive. The handling is good, however the breaks would need some improvement. Till now no Crash test results are available.

Cockpit

Asked about the IPR violation of the original SMART, the Sales Director answered: „We had visitors of Daimler. They would like to cooperate with us and we should produce cars for them”. No comments.

Assembly Workers

Dormitory for Employees

A different Design of the Vehicle – with Front style Toyota…

…BMW…

.. or Mercedes

The faked SMART has got the attention of local authorities – The police ordered already several

Behind the factory in the snow, future platforms like Smart Forfour...

… and Volkswagen New Beetle are “under development”.

Comment of the Production Manager: “We have the capability to produce any vehicle the customer desires, without problems also a Mercedes E-Class”