The Tesla Cybertruck has attracted a lot of attention since its unveiling in 2019. Now the Chinese car manufacturer Dongfeng seems to want to capitalize on this hype by presenting a concept pickup at the Beijing Auto Show 2024 that bears a striking resemblance to the Cybertruck. This striking resemblance has quickly made headlines - but what is really behind this supposed clone?
Striking parallels in the design
Anyone taking a first look at the "2024 Concept Pickup" from Dongfeng will immediately recognize the relationship to the Tesla Cybertruck. The front end in particular, the angular shape and the large wheels almost look like a copy of the famous Tesla-model. The futuristic look with clear lines and a minimalist design also echoes the striking appearance of the Cybertruck.
Nevertheless, there are differences: the body of the Dongfeng concept is not made of stainless steel, as in the original from Tesla. Instead, Dongfeng has opted for a more conventional design, which is complemented by more rounded and slightly curved lines. The classic side mirrors have also been replaced by cameras, giving the vehicle an even more modern look. Another difference: the huge windshield wiper, which was used in Tesla caused a sensation, is completely absent here.
Concept car without technical details
Although the design of the Dongfeng pickup is attracting a lot of attention, there is still a lack of concrete information on performance, range and battery capacity. However, this is not uncommon with concept vehicles. The Chinese manufacturer has not yet revealed whether the vehicle will ever go into series production or whether it will merely serve as a show car to exploit the media hype.
Repeat offender: Dongfeng's Hummer clone
Interestingly, this is not the first time that Dongfeng has become known for its brazen copies. Back in 2022, the manufacturer presented the Mengshi M-Terrain, an off-road vehicle with strong similarities to GMC's Hummer EV. This military-style SUV, also known as the Mengshi 917, also caused a stir at the Beijing Auto Show.
Conclusion: China's strategy to profit from the hype
The presentation of Dongfeng's Cybertruck clone shows that Chinese manufacturers continue to rely on striking designs and popular models from Western brands to generate attention. However, it remains questionable whether this approach will be successful in the long term - especially in a global market that is increasingly demanding originality and innovation.
