Auto Shanghai 2015 wraps up this week – and though it took place in a huge new expo center, it's been more subdued than usual, since organizers banned the sexily-clad models that have been a hallmark of the event. (See item 4.) Here's a wrap-up for marketers about the premier event of the year in the world's largest auto market.
There's a tank-like car named after Gen. Patton, and his heirs got on board with that.
The U.S. Army for decades used tanks named after George S. Patton, the World War II general. Now there's a brand hoping Chinese drivers will want to buy a seriously blinged-up tank-like car named after him.
It's called the G. Patton, it sells for about $484,370, and it inspired a lot of selfies at the auto show.
A company called U.S. Specialty Vehicles makes them, building them on a Ford truck chassis.
Last year the general's heirs reportedly filed a lawsuit about the use of the name. That's apparently been resolved.
"We're excited to announce a collaboration between the family of General George S. Patton, Jr. and U.S. Specialty Vehicles, LLC., the entity behind the innovative 'Gen. Patton' vehicles," Mark Roesler, agent for the Gen. Patton family, wrote in an email. "These vehicles will be on display at the Shanghai Auto Show and subsequently available for purchase throughout China."
Benedict Cumberbatch stars in an odd campaign from China's biggest automaker.