Car manufacturers have been copying each other's designs for ages. This is not new. Here I present my case where a company shamelessly copies another. Toyota vs. Mazda. The car in question: The 2011 Corolla. For as long as anyone can remember, Toyota has been known for their unoffensive design strategy. Make something mainstream, otherwise known as boring.
The 9th generation model brought the Toyota's compact into the modern age. Although it was highly successful, it's bulky design was due for an upgrade. Yet again, Toyota wanted to play things safe with design. Make it slimmer, but make it say "Corolla". They took may of the same design cues and updated them for a "new" generation.
I think the design was poorly implemented, but the vehicle was still successful. Toyota quickly made modifications for 2011 to give the Corolla a sportier look. This is where Mazda comes in with the 2003 Mazda 6. This shows how far behind Toyota was with their 9th generation. Typical for a mid-cycle upgrade, Toyota kept the main structure and interior, only updating a little of the front fascia (headlights and grill) and the back end (taillights and bumper).
Above: 2011 Toyota Corolla and 2003 Mazda 6
As you can see, the headlights were mildly upgraded to give a slimmer appearance, similar to the Mazda. The most apparent copy was adding a couple bars across the grill to imitate the 6's distinctive look. They also opened the lower grill more to give it a sportier feel, and added a bar across the side of the vehicle to minimize door dings, both found on the Mazda.
Above: 2011 Toyota Corolla and 2003 Mazda 6
In the back, the most prominent change in the Corolla is the taillights. Although they are not an exact copy, they give a similar impression as the 6 by adding silver accents to the middle. The taillights were also slimmed to provide a more uniform shape, like the Mazda. The lower reflectors on the bumper even got slimmed down similar to the 6.
Conclusion: I believe that Toyota shamelessly copied attributes of the 2003 Mazda 6 to update the poorly envisioned 2003 Toyota Corolla. I don't see anything wrong with manufacturers learning from one another, but not in a fashion like this. I believe automotive design to be a form of art, and therefore should not be copied. Flattery can be great, but not for merely increasing sales. Toyota is now creating their own distinctive, although confusing, design. I look forward to what they produce. Hopefully something better looking than the Mirai.
This is just my opinion, but I will let you be the judge.
Photo Credits
2003 Corolla: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E120)#/media/File:2003-2004_Toyota_Corolla_CE.jpg
2009 Corolla front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:09_Toyota_Corolla.jpg
2009 Corolla back: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:2007-2010_Toyota_Corolla_(ZRE152R)_Ascent_sedan_01.jpg
2011 Corolla front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:2011_Toyota_Corolla_Altis_1.8E_in_Puchong,_Malaysia_(01).jpg
2003 6 front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda6#/media/File:2005-2007_Mazda_6_(GG_Series_2)_Luxury_Sports_hatchback_(2011-01-13).jpg
2011 Corolla back: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:2011_Toyota_Corolla_Altis_1.8E_in_Puchong,_Malaysia_(02).jpg
2003 6 back: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda6#/media/File:2006_Mazda6_(GG_Series_2)_MZR-CD_hatchback_(2015-08-07)_02.jpg
