Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; at least that’s what top GM Executives have learned.

At an automotive show in Beijing, China a GM executive spotted an animal that was very much out of place in its foreign surroundings; a Chevrolet Colorado or so he thought. As he approached the vehicle he saw familiar body lines, but with Chinese writing, and no Chevrolet symbols, raising many questions.

A closer inspection revealed that this out of place Colorado was a very well manufactured knock-off of the Colorado called the "Plutus". The “Plutus” was remarkably like the Chevrolet Colorado and its GMC Canyon brother, however there ware some major differences as well. The roof shape, door handles, and engine availability is far different from the Colorado’s. In engines the Chinese opted for a 2.4 liter Toyota 4 cylinder or a 3.2l First Works Diesel engine, both only available with a 2WD drive train. The “Plutus” also has a smaller counterpart called the "Steed" offering a 2.8l diesel engine, and some minor features removed. Both the “Plutus” and the Steed are available only with 5 speed manual transmissions and the "Hummer Locked Differential.

"Huanghai Auto, a division of SG Automotive group plans to export the "Plutus" world wide but official plans are still being kept extremely under-wraps.