The Chinese Geely GE is a dead ringer for the Rolls-Royce. Its similarities with the famed British car and its cost — almost 1/10 of the price of a Rolls-Royce — are stirring up controversy. From the Mail Online:

Although Geely claims to be ‘re-inventing the classic’, it seems Rolls-Royce bosses disagree.

They are consulting lawyers after seeing this Chinese-made car audaciously displayed just feet from the classic brand’s Phantom at the Shanghai Motor Show.

‘Our colleagues in Shanghai are taking a serious look at it,’ a spokesman said. ‘Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is very protective of its brand image and takes seriously any attempt to imitate its products.

‘Rolls-Royce is currently keeping its options open and is in consultation with its legal advisers.’

geely-rolls geely-rolls2

On the left, the Chinese Geely GE. On the right, the British Rolls-Royce.

See also the New York Times’ Wheels Blog for more.