Audi sues China newcomer Nio: model name stolen?
Created: 06/19/2022, 15:11
By: Marcus Efler
The Chinese newcomer Nio would like to start in Germany this year - but is now getting into legal trouble with Audi because of two SUV models.
Munich – Success from the Far East: In its home market, the electric car manufacturer Nio is known as the “Chinese Tesla” and is having a hard time with electric vehicles such as VW and its ID.4.
The brand from Shanghai has big plans in Europe: they want to put pressure on the brands established in this country, above all with their unique exchange system for batteries, which is intended to make lengthy charging unnecessary.
Course Germany: Production of the Nio ES6 in China.
(Iconic image) © Thomas Yau/Imago
Audi sues China newcomer Nio: model name stolen?
After starting in Norway, sales are also scheduled to start in Germany at the end of this year. Nio has already installed the European sales headquarters and a design center in Munich.
But now Audi steps in between: The Ingolstadt company is suing Nio in a Munich court, as the “Handelsblatt” reports, citing company circles.
Because the names of the Chinese SUV models ES6 and ES8 are too close to those of the sporty Audi sedans S6 and S8 - and would thus violate the trademark rights of the VW subsidiary.
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Audi is suing China newcomer Nio: Removed model designations
"Like many successful companies, Audi is always careful to protect its trademark rights comprehensively," the "Handelsblatt" quoted a company spokesman as saying.
Nio himself does not comment on the ongoing proceedings, but allegedly removes the model names from those cars that are shown in Germany as a precaution.
