The Chinese brand Luxeed, created with the participation of Huawei and Chery, found itself at the center of an unusual discussion. The manufacturer stated that the design of the new crossover was overseen by former Ferrari chief designer Flavio Manzoni. However, in Italy, this information was met with skepticism, and doubts were raised about the accuracy of the company's statements.

Luxeed R7
Luxeed R7
Источник изображения: Creative commons

The advertising campaign for the Luxeed R7 model sparked the dispute. Published materials claimed that the car was created with the involvement of Manzoni — the person responsible for the exterior design of Ferrari models such as the F12berlinetta, LaFerrari, and SF90 Stradale. The statement quickly attracted the attention of specialized media and brand enthusiasts.

The problem is that the designer himself continues to work at Ferrari and holds the position of design director for the Italian manufacturer. Because of this, journalists and industry experts doubted whether he could have truly participated in the development of another brand's car in the way it was presented in the marketing materials.

This story itself is indicative of the modern Chinese automotive industry. Manufacturers are increasingly focusing not only on characteristics and technologies but also on big names from the global automotive industry. Previously, Chinese companies have already attracted former specialists from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche to develop cars, platforms, and software.

At the same time, Luxeed remains one of the most technologically advanced brands in the Chinese market. The brand's cars use Huawei's software platform, modern driver assistance systems, and advanced electronics, which often attract buyers more than the story of the design's origin.

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