Controversy surrounds Huawei-Chery collaborated Luxeed RX’s “Ferrari designer” claims

The latest filing from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has unveiled the Luxeed RX, a new SUV from Huawei and Chery under HIMA. The vehicle has become the centre of a public controversy regarding its design pedigree.

The Luxeed RX is equipped with four LiDAR sensors and utilises pioneering electromagnetic thermal control die-casting technology. In terms of dimensions, it measures 5,020 mm in length, 2,007 mm in width, and 1,585 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,000 mm. The powertrain options include:

• Single-Motor Version: Equipped with a motor producing 277 kW (372 hp).

• Dual-Motor Version: Featuring a combination of motors with outputs of 160 kW (215 hp) and 277 kW (372 hp).

DesignPositioned as a sporty “FUV” (Fashion Utility Vehicle), the RX features a closed front grille, L-shaped lighting units, and a three-section air intake. Its low-slung profile and aggressive rear diffuser have drawn immediate comparisons to the Ferrari Purosangue.

Controversy Over Design ClaimsThe launch has been overshadowed by a dispute regarding the brand’s design team. Zhao Changjiang, Executive Director and Executive Vice President of Luxeed, recently claimed that the brand had recruited a “former Ferrari chief designer,” alongside chassis tuning teams from BMW and Aston Martin.

However, this claim was publicly challenged by Ingrid Sun, PR Director for Ferrari Greater China. On social media, Sun questioned the validity of the statement, asking, “I wanted to ask, what is the name of this former Ferrari chief designer?” Netizens have further fueled the scepticism, noting that Ferrari’s chief designer position has remained stable for over a decade. As of June 11, the post containing the public challenge appears to have been removed from Sun’s social media account.

The Luxeed RX is scheduled to officially hit the market this autumn.

Luxeed’s sales have been falling sharply year-on-year since last December.