Alibaba’s Replica Car Market: A Bargain or a Bust?
Online marketplaces like Alibaba and AliExpress have become go-to destinations for consumers seeking a wide variety of products at attractive prices. Now, these platforms are home to a new category of offerings: replicas of popular car models. From luxury vehicles to everyday cars, third-party sellers are capitalizing on the demand for affordable automobiles.
One example is a “mini Land Rover electric car… for adults” advertised on Alibaba. This vehicle is essentially a full-sized knock-off of a Range Rover. The seller claims it’s powered by a 5kW lithium-ion battery and has a top speed of 50km/h – all for the low price of around $3,900 AUD. Other models such as the Mercedes-Benz G Wagon, Mini Cooper, and Jeep Wrangler are also being replicated.
The attraction is clear: the advertised replica cars are significantly cheaper than the originals, often costing less than $10,000 AUD.
To see how these replicas compare in real life, YouTuber Supercar Blondie purchased a Range Rover and Land Rover Defender imposters and pitted them against their legitimate counterparts. “We really got a Range Rover off Alibaba… the front is almost exactly the same… at the back, it looks like the updated Range Rover,” one presenter stated in a social media video. However, the replica’s interior is far from luxurious, unlike the original versions.
Various other social media users weighed in including one commenter who stated, “The only Range Rover I can afford”, while another remarked: “Strange Rover”.
While they may resemble the originals cosmetically, these replicas are closer to toy cars than road-legal vehicles. Unauthorised businesses are using features traditionally seen in the Land Rover line-up such as the head and tail-lights, grilles, and notably, the location of the badge without the name.
When approached for comment, a JLR spokesperson chose not to respond.
Importing Issues
Despite the tempting prices, importing these vehicles into Australia presents significant challenges. Under the 2018 Road Vehicle Standards Act, it is illegal to import a road vehicle into Australia without approval. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in the vehicle being held at the border by the Australian Border Force and fines of up to $23,640. Importers must also prove the vehicle complies with the Australian Design Rules (ADR).
Furthermore, car manufacturers are fiercely protective of their designs. Companies found to be copying their cars can face legal disputes. In 2020, Land Rover took fellow car maker Ineos to the UK’s High Court over a trademark dispute about the original Defender’s design. While Land Rover lost on appeal, the situation underscores the seriousness of intellectual property protection.
The popularity of these knock-off cars highlights the appeal of luxury vehicles, even if in a more accessible form.
These replicas are closer to toy cars than road-legal vehicles, but it’s clear that the availability of these knock-offs taps into a desire for these luxury nameplates.
