Did Mercedes-Benz steal X-Class design from Polokwane boy?

Images of a sketch of a Mercedes Benz X-Class have raised suspicions that the idea and design concept may have been 'appropriated'.

A young man from Polokwane seems to think he is the brain behind the 2018 Mercedes-Benz bakkie.

The young man, real name Kgothatso Bosoga, who goes by the name D’wayne KxRomeo on Facebook, appears to strongly believe he helped conceptualise the Mercedes-Benz X-Class bakkie.

In a series of images published today in a tweet by popular Twitter parody account @AdvBarryRoux, Bosoga appears to have been interacting with the car brand in 2013, reaching out to them with his idea.

In a message dated March 12, the car maker seems to be open to the innovation and replies: “Can you attach the image of this message? All the best the Mercedes-Benz team.”

This message is followed by Bosoga replying the same day. He appears to be battling with his phone. “I’m trying to send.. my phone says failed… what (sic) the email? I’ll email it…”

Did Mercedes Benz stole this design from a 20yrs old boy from Limpopo? pic.twitter.com/SInoGoaKzS

— Man’s NOT Barry Roux  (@AdvoBarryRoux) May 22, 2018

An image of the sketched vehicle appears to be posted a few minutes later on March 13, 2013.

A day later Bosoga appears to ask Mercedes-Benz for their comment.

There seems to be no interaction until April 2, 2013 when Bosoga again messages Merc to say: “You were talking to me before I send (sic) my design but after sending it … you’re ignoring me … are you stealing my design…?but please don’t steal my design coz (sic) I really love it and I wanna be the one to come up with that Mercedes…”

Mercedes-Benz SA responds by telling Bosoga not to worry as they have not stolen his design.

“In fact we’d like to post it on our wall, if you’re okay with that. We love getting input from our customers.”

This poses questions about the authenticity of the mail. The Citizen contacted Bosoga, who confirmed he had contacted Mercedes in 2013 with his sketch.

He has reached out for assistance on the matter from several in the media industry and is seeking legal assistance.

An enquiry was sent to Mercedes-Benz to find out if they are aware of Bosoga’s images on social media. The car brand is yet to respond at the time of publication of this piece.