The mysterious trademark application appeared on the European Union Intellectual Property Office.
Filed on March 23, 2017, the trademark application shows a round “E” insignia logo that suggests Kia will launch a sub-brand for its future electric vehicles. Currently the Korean automaker only has the Soul EV in its lineup, but will likely add an all-electric version of its new Niro crossover. Last year it was reported Hyundai and Kia plan to launch at least 26 combined electrified vehicles across both lineups by 2020, with at least 12 hybrids, six plug-in hybrids, two EVs and two fuel cell vehicles.
It’s a strong possibility those electrified vehicles will spawn a sub-brand for Kia, similar to BMW’s i and Mercedes-Benz’s EQ.
SEE ALSO: Kia’s Newest Crossover Likely Getting an All-Electric Variant
The trademark application is classified under: “Automobiles; Parts and fittings for automobiles; Wheelchairs; Parachutes; Electric vehicles; Ships; Airplanes; Rolling stock for railways; Motorcycles; Bicycles; Carts; Baby carriages; Tires for vehicle wheels; Inner tubes for vehicle tires; Suspension shock absorbers for vehicles; Vehicle suspension springs; Brake systems for vehicles; Tractors for agricultural purposes; Engines for land vehicles; Gearing for land vehicles; Bearings for land vehicles; Motors for land vehicles; Military vehicles for transport; Horns for vehicles; Balance weights for vehicle wheels; Power tailgates (Am.) [parts of land vehicles]; Air pumps for two-wheeled motor vehicles or bicycles.”
