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BMW registers ‘i’ trademark, possibly for 2013 Megacity EV

By Tim Beissmann |

BMW is expected to follow the Apple/Intel/Hyundai trend and use a lowercase ‘i’ in the naming structure of its new electric 2013 MegaCity Vehicle.

A post on specialist BMW forum e90post.com revealed BMW AG had filed a registration for the new trademark and logo.

Along with the silver ‘i’ badge, BMW has reserved the following trademarks: i1, i2, i3, i4, i5, i6, i7, i8 and i9.

Although it is unlikely BMW will use all of the new nameplates, it is clearly covering its bases and keeping its options open for the future.

It is not yet known whether the ‘i’ range will become its own sub-brand, similar to Toyota’s plans for the Prius nameplate.

The naming structure also gives BMW the potential to align the ‘i’ vehicles with the current range and create a subdivision similar to the performance-focused ‘M’ vehicles. For example, i1 could represent a 1 Series hybrid, i3 with a 3 Series hybrid, and so on.

Rumours are circulating that a concept version of the MegaCity Vehicle could debut at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month, although BMW remains tight-lipped on the subject.

It is understood a production-ready version of the car will make its public debut at the 2012 London Olympic Games ahead of its global launch in 2013.


 

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  • davie

    I wonder what Hyaundai will do with their “i” cars

  • Ben

    Is it just me or is everyone getting sick of companies using i can’t they be a but more creative

  • Kieran

    I think this is a good idea. Gives BMW a way of differentiating their eco cars from their real cars. Isn’t the new 3-series going to have a 3cyl available, or some nonsense like that? Seriously, the 320i is enough of a joke as it stands…

    • Stoney!

      you’ll probably find it will be a 3 cylinder turbo to replace the 320i

  • Wayne Kerr

    Megacity cars already exist in Japan, they’re called Kei cars. Ugly, tiny cars with pathetic engines. Kudos to BMW for making the concept not ugly.