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Nio founder William Li with the ES8 SUV
Photo:
Ng Han Guan / AP / picture alliance
Audi is increasing the legal pressure in the trademark dispute with the up-and-coming Chinese competitor Nio.
A few months ago, the VW subsidiary declared that Nio was violating Audi's trademark rights with the model names ES6 and ES8.
Because the names of the two electric SUVs could be confused with the S6 and the S8 of the German premium manufacturer just by hearing them, Nio is not allowed to use the designations, Audi argues in an action for an injunction before the Munich Regional Court.
The case will be heard there again on September 6th.
According to information from SPIEGEL, Audi last week also complained to the EU Intellectual Property Office that Nio's ES7 had violated trademark rights.
If Nio does not respond, another lawsuit is likely to follow.
At Audi, it is said about the dispute that they are "always careful to protect their trademark rights comprehensively".
Nio does not comment, referring to the ongoing proceedings.
The legal offensive of the Ingolstadt company takes place immediately before the market launch of Nio in Germany.
Founded in 2014 by the Chinese entrepreneur William Li, the start-up plans to open the first »Nio House« in Berlin in the fall;
this is what the company calls its showrooms, with which it primarily targets the upscale clientele.
Then sales should also start in this country, initially with the ET8 sedan, electric SUVs are likely to follow.
The ES7 is considered the flagship of the e-car specialist in the category and has been on sale in China since August.
If Audi is successful with its lawsuits, Nio may have to rename its ES series in Europe.
Audi's actions are seen in the industry as an indication that German car companies are now taking their Chinese competitors seriously.
In China, domestic manufacturers are far ahead of the Germans when it comes to new registrations of electric models.
While Nio sold around 30,000 electric cars from June to August, Audi sold a few hundred.
In June, the VW subsidiary began building a plant in Changchun that will supply the Chinese market exclusively with electric cars.
The entire VW Group is currently struggling with problems in China.
Chinese manufacturers are now increasingly pushing their way to Europe. In addition to Nio, Great Wall and BYD also want to start in Germany in 2022.
The Geely Group, whose founder Li Shufu has a stake in Mercedes-Benz, has been selling cars in Europe through the Volvo, Polestar and Lynk brands for years.
