The Chinese are commonly held as the kings of copyright infringement, and nowhere is this more evident than with the new Geely GE. Produced by China-based Geely Automobile, the Geely GE is a dead ringer for the Rolls-Royce Phantom and mimics every one of its features right down to the extensive interior upholstery options and “starry night” headliner. As a matter of fact, aside from Geely’s badging, the only noticeable difference between the GE and Phantom Drophead Coupe is GE’s somewhat bizarre decision to outfit the GE’s rear passenger space with only a single, throne-like seat. Expected to debut officially next month at the 2009 Shanghai Auto Show, Geely seems dismissive of concerns that the GE is too similar to the Phantom to be considered an original product and expects to market the GE by appealing to the same pseudo-wealthy crowd targeted by the Chrysler 300.

Given that East Asia as a whole enjoys the dubious distinction of being the world’s leading exporter of sketchy-ass shit, the only thing that “shocks” us about the Geely GE is the fact that it doesn’t come with an exclusive set of genuine authentic 100% real Louis Vuitton luggage.