Ora Punk Cat the Volkswagen Beetle knockoff could be headed to Australia to take on Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona Electric according to new patents

The Chinese automotive industry has a history of using existing car designs as, shall we say, inspiration. These knockoffs are typically restricted to the Chinese market so we rarely see them down under. But one of the most obvious design rip-offs in automotive history could be making its way around the world - including Australia.

The Ora Punk Cat is, put simply, a modern take on the Volkswagen Beetle. While it features a modern electric powertrain underneath, aside from a switch to a five-door layout the Punk Cat is almost a carbon copy of the iconic German ‘Bug’.

When it was revealed back in April at the Shanghai Motor Show Volkswagen was unsurprisingly not amused and was considering legal action. Now, according to a report on Carscoops, Ora (and it’s parent company GWM) has taken the Punk Cat to Europe, registering its Punk Cat designs with the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

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Ora has actually submitted two designs, one that’s identical to the Shanghai show and a second version that has a similar Beetle shape but unique headlights, taillights and even a small ducktail spoiler.

Volkswagen hasn’t made any further public comments on the Punk Cat’s design, but given Ora’s move into Europe it’s highly likely the German giant will move to protect its classic design on its home turf.

Depending on how Volkswagen goes stopping Ora, Australian’s may get a chance to experience the Punk Cat first hand. As reported last week, GWM is considering adding the all-electric brand to its Australian portfolio. 

According to local officials the Punk Cat is under consideration alongside the Good Cat and Black Cat. It would give GWM rivals to the growing number of small EVs available including the Tesla Model 3, Nissan Leaf and Hyundai’s Ioniq and Kona Electric.

GWM hasn’t announced when Ora will arrive in Australia, but 2022 seems likely. Whether or not the Punk Cat is among the models offered may ultimately be decided by a copyright court somewhere in China or Europe.