Toyota RAV4 & BMW X5 Chinese Clones Go On Sale in Germany

Nearly a year after China Automobile Deutschland made its European debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Munich-based importer announced today that it has began sales of its SCEO and UFO SUVs at 80 dealerships across Germany. Both models have caused quite a stir in Europe as the Mitsubishi Pajero based Shuanghuan SCEO’s appearance resembles the first generation BMW X5 while the UFO DR is essentially a clone of the previous Toyota RAV4.

The X5-inspired SCEO that’s equipped with a 125Hp 2.4-liter petrol engine goes on sale in Germany with a base price of €25,900 or about $40,700 (including 19% tax). That’s a far cry from the inexpensive cars that we were all expecting from China. For example, a 152Hp 2.0-liter base Toyota RAV4 will set you back €26,600 in Germany. What would you buy?

On the other hand, the UFO is priced significantly lower at €15,990 or $25,000. The Chinese RAV4 clone is offered in Germany with two petrol units, a 129Hp 2.0-liter and a 136Hp 2.4-liter engine. Not that we'd ever be tempted to buy a clone, but at €16k, the UFO doesn't seem out of this world, does it...