VW to brand EVs 'Voltswagen' in U.S., source confirms

[TDIMeister]

Not a typo.

VW to brand EVs 'Voltswagen' in U.S., source confirms

A press release leaked online Monday revealed that Volkswagen of America will use the brand name “Voltswagen” to differentiate its line of electric vehicles, which began deliveries to U.S. dealers this month.

Automotive News has independently confirmed the authenticity of the planned change with a person familiar with the company's plans, and that it is not an April Fools' Day joke.

The person said the change is in keeping with the company’s “all electric” future in the U.S.

 

[greengeeker]

Close to April 1st....

 

[tactdi]

I will keep my 'Diesel'wagen (Jetta) and 'Gas'wagen (GTI), no interest at this time or in the future for a volt/electric car. My next car will also be an ICE.

 

[turbobrick240]

I missed this thread yesterday and started another on the same subject. I'm a big fan of EVs and modernization of our energy consumption/production in general, but this name change idea is poor marketing, imo. Assuming it's not a joke.

 

[greengeeker]

And it was all just a publicity stunt for the Id4

'Voltswagen' rebrand was marketing stunt

German automaker Volkswagen will not be changing the name of its U.S. operations to “Voltswagen of America.”

www.nbcnews.com

 

[TDIMeister]

Too bad. I actually sort of wished they'd pull the trigger and do it. It's kinda smart, fitting and obvious once you put it in context in a cheeky sort of way.

Oh, well, let the scramble to trademark "Voltswagen" begin if it hasn't already.

 

[Nuje]

This story (of how this was reported, "confirmed", then unconfirmed) is actually quite a good little microcosm of the decline of journalism in the "BREAKING NEWS!" / click-bait era.
Explained quite well in this little mini-thread, summed up by this:

So, if the PR people are being evasive to direct questions, there are no trademark registrations anywhere on earth, the brand history is too valued, the costs are too high, the benefits too temporary and the whole thing close to April 1, why weren't they more skeptical?

 

[meerschm]

Volkswagen could end up in hot water over its 'Voltswagen' marketing stunt

Volkswagen of America says its "Voltswagen" name change was merely a joke "in the spirit of April Fools' Day" to promote a new electric car. But even if it was meant as a lighthearted marketing gag, the move could land the carmaker in some serious trouble.

www.cnn.com