This is how far the Chinese car industry has come in 20 years
In 2005, the Asian giant’s car companies were making shameless copies of Daihatsu hatchbacks. Now, China is home to the largest motor industry the world has seen.
The Sea Lion 06 DM-i model from BYD at the 2025 Shanghai auto show. AP
The last time I was in China – way back in 2006 – I photographed a small car that was a shameless copy of a not particularly loved Daihatsu hatchback.
Even from a distance I could tell how crudely it was put together, though that was consistent with most of the Chinese cars I saw. The striking thing about this one – from a brand called Geely – was that it had a Mercedes-Benz grille clumsily grafted onto its nose.
