Trademark filings shed light on automaker plans

[andy82471]

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/03/24/tra...utomaker-plans/

In any industry, one sure way to get a glimpse of future product plans is to query the U.S. patent office for various automaker names and brands. We already told you about the Infiniti G37, FX37, and M37. Well, we did a little more digging, and found a number of fascinating product name trademarks that hint to new products that could be just around the corner. Lincoln MKV? Mercedes GLK? It’s all after the jump…

Below are some recent filings with the U.S. patent office:

Lincoln MKV (March 1, 2006)

This name clearly follows Lincoln’s new “Mk” or “Mark” naming scheme. Lincoln has announced the MKS (a new sedan), the MKZ (the Zephyr) and the MKX (the Aviator). So what is the MKV? Lincoln once had a Continental called the MKV. Could the Lincoln Continental Concept be coming to life? An answer to the 300C? Perhaps related to Ford’ rear-wheel-drive sedan? Alternatively, it could be a new name for the Navigator. No one knows for sure, but time will tell.

Mustang GT-R (March 7, 2006)

The name “Mustang GT-R” was first conceived in February, 2004. However, it was just opened for opposition on March 7, 2006. What could this be?

Mercedes GLK-Class (March 14, 2006)

Mercedes first filed for the GLK-Class name in July, 2005. This February, it also registered the name GLK63, to reflect its new 6.3 liter AMG engine. The GLK name was also opened to opposition on March 14, 2006. This suggests Mercedes plans to use the GLK for its compact SUV, rather than MLK. The MLK name was last touched in 1996.

Mercedes CLK550, E550, CLS550 (December 12, 2005)

Is Mercedes considering dropping the new V8 engine from S550 into the CLK-Class, CLS-Class, and the E-Class. This looks like a strong possibility…

Cadillac BLC (2005)

At the same time Cadillac filed for the “BLS” name — which it now uses — it also filed for the name BLC. Is a coupe version of the BLS in the works? Perhaps…

Camaro Z28 (2006)

At the same time Chevy revived the trademark on the Camaro name, it also revived the name “Z28.” Will the new Camaro have a “Z28″ model like the classics did? Or is this just a precautionary measure?

Lexus LX600, LX590, LX570, LX550, LX520 (February 21, 2006)

Ok, so we know a new Lexus LX is coming. But that’s about it. We’re sure some of the above engine configurations will be used, but not all of them.

Mercury Cougar ZN (March 21, 2006)

This name was first filed in 2001, when the Mercury Cougar ZN debuted. The Mercury Cougar coupe, in its latest form, existed between 1999 and 2002. On March 21, 2006, there was some activity with this filing. Is Ford planning a new Cougar to bring some youth appeal back to Mercury? Or is this just an echo from the past?

Infiniti G37, M37, and FX37 + JX, AX, VX (2005-2006)

For more information on the Infiniti G37, M37, and FX37, see our original report. In 2005 and 2006, there was also some activity surrounding the JX, AX, and VX names. The names could be used by Nissan or Infiniti. In 2005, there were rumors Lexus planned to use the “VX” name. Perhaps this was a counter-measure?

BMW Z1, Z5 (2006)

On January 17, 2006, BMW published the names Z1 and Z5 for opposition. Is BMW working on some new roadsters? We doubt it, unless “Z1″ is the planned name for BMW’s new super-roadster (rumored to be called Z10).

On January 13, 2006, Saturn registered the tagline, “Like Always. Like Never Before.”

Sometimes, automakers scrap applications entirely. Other times it cannot obtain the rights to the name. Below are some recently killed applications:

Buick Invicta (Dead: March 21, 2006)

Just recently, there were rumors that the new Zeta-platform-based Buick sedan would be called the “Invicta.” However, GM’s outspoken Bob Lutz said the car would be called the “Statesman.” Looks like Mr. Lutz was right.

Chevrolet Bel Air (Dead: January 15, 2006)

In 2002, Chevrolet showed the Bel Air convertible concept. It looks like this car will never see the light of day — at least not under the Bel Air name.

Ford GT Mark VI (Dead: December 11, 2005)

We already know the Ford GT is dead. Is this the nail in its coffin?

Chrysler New Yorker (Dead: September 4, 2005)

The name “Imperial” was re-registered by Chrysler just before this trademark was killed. We suspect “New Yorker” was an alternate name considered for the Imperial Concept.

Ford Equator (Dead: December 31, 2005)

In 2000, Ford showed the Equator concept. This year, another Equator concept was shown. We doubt Ford has scrapped plans for this car. Rather, it looks like they may not have been able to secure the name.

In late 2004, BMW registered names relating to the 4-Series, including 425, 435, and M4. However, it has since been reported that BMW scrapped plans to use the name, and will instead continue to refer to its new coupe and convertible as 3-Series models.

[Sixty8panther]

BLS is still IMHO one of the worst names in GM history. AWFUL!

[Drew Dowdell]

BLC is the convertible? All the practice was on the G6 so they could get it right for Cadillac </rampant infounded speculation>

[Hudson]

BLS is still IMHO one of the worst names in GM history. AWFUL!

Couldn't be worse than ETC...would you name a car "etcetera?"

[97regalGS]

Couldn't be worse than ETC...would you name a car "etcetera?"

agreed

[ehaase]

Lincoln MKV (March 1, 2006)

This name clearly follows Lincoln’s new “Mk” or “Mark” naming scheme. Lincoln has announced the MKS (a new sedan), the MKZ (the Zephyr) and the MKX (the Aviator). So what is the MKV? Lincoln once had a Continental called the MKV. Could the Lincoln Continental Concept be coming to life? An answer to the 300C? Perhaps related to Ford’ rear-wheel-drive sedan? Alternatively, it could be a new name for the Navigator. No one knows for sure, but time will tell.

It could also be the name for the Lincoln version of the Fairlane crossover.

[Flybrian]

Last time I checked, the M[ar]KV was this...

If they use MKV for any vehicle at all, it'll prove the Lincoln brand has officially no meaning.

[roopull]

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/03/24/tra...utomaker-plans/

This name clearly follows Lincoln’s new “Mk” or “Mark” naming scheme. Lincoln has announced the MKS (a new sedan), the MKZ (the Zephyr) and the MKX (the Aviator). So what is the MKV? Lincoln once had a Continental called the MKV. Could the Lincoln Continental Concept be coming to life? An answer to the 300C? Perhaps related to Ford’ rear-wheel-drive sedan? Alternatively, it could be a new name for the Navigator. No one knows for sure, but time will tell.

Anyone remember any of the concepts Lincoln had out a few years ago with similar names... names reflecting the Conties of the 60s? Many looked more like ZZTop styled customs than show cars!

Example:

Click here

Cadillac BLC (2005)

At the same time Cadillac filed for the “BLS” name — which it now uses — it also filed for the name BLC. Is a coupe version of the BLS in the works? Perhaps…

With the upcoming CTS coupe, I'm not surprised to see a BLC...

Camaro Z28 (2006)

At the same time Chevy revived the trademark on the Camaro name, it also revived the name “Z28.” Will the new Camaro have a “Z28″ model like the classics did? Or is this just a precautionary measure?

They'd be nuts not to... bringing back every imaginable badge for the Mustang is obviously working for Ford & Dodge is putting old Plymouth badges on Dodge trucks & they're selling well, too.

Mercury Cougar ZN (March 21, 2006)

This name was first filed in 2001, when the Mercury Cougar ZN debuted. The Mercury Cougar coupe, in its latest form, existed between 1999 and 2002. On March 21, 2006, there was some activity with this filing. Is Ford planning a new Cougar to bring some youth appeal back to Mercury? Or is this just an echo from the past?

With how bad the last Cougar did (a car I actually liked,) I'd be surprised if Mercury brought this name back... ever.

BMW Z1, Z5 (2006)

On January 17, 2006, BMW published the names Z1 and Z5 for opposition. Is BMW working on some new roadsters? We doubt it, unless “Z1″ is the planned name for BMW’s new super-roadster (rumored to be called Z10).

The Z3 became the Z4 because all two door BMWs will have even numbered names while 4 door cars will have odd numbered names (thus the new 6 series, as well.) The Zs are all 2 door coupes & convertibles, so the Z1 & Z5 names, I would guess are either for 4 door convertibles or to keep other makes from using the names.

That, of course, makes the next portion baffling:

In late 2004, BMW registered names relating to the 4-Series, including 425, 435, and M4. However, it has since been reported that BMW scrapped plans to use the name, and will instead continue to refer to its new coupe and convertible as 3-Series models.

On again off again naming schemes? What gives? I just wish they'd give every car a nice real name. We didn't run out of animals & natural disasters to name cars after, did we?

The name “Imperial” was re-registered by Chrysler just before this trademark was killed. We suspect “New Yorker” was an alternate name considered for the Imperial Concept.

If they build that thing, it may dethrone the Aztek for "ugliest American car, EVER."

Edited June 9, 2006 by roopull