Does Zephyr Trademark Mean Return to Real Names?

[ANTAUS]

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/05/25/lincoln-zephyr-trademark-news/

[rmc523]

I figured they'd shift to names at the very least on the top end (Conti, Navigator, Aviator), but at that point, I guess it makes sense to just go back to names across the board.

[sullynd]

Anyone remember how the Fusion was almost the Futura?

 

I wouldn't read too much into Ford maintaining trademarks.

 

That said, I hope Ford sends Pepboys flowers each year to thank them for that one.

[mackinaw]

Kumar Galhotra, president of Lincoln, was on "Autoline" several months back and said that Lincoln would be using both names and letter combinations for their future vehicles.

[BORG]

Both Cadillac and Lincoln suffer form a naming crisis that seems unending. As long as Lincoln doesn't force the change arbitrarily.

 

I actually think names can be just as dumb as letters and Buick has some of the worst nonsense names around.

 

Lincoln has a few defunct names that are pleasing (Aviator or Mark), but for the most part they would have to invent new ones. I worry that Lincoln resurrecting nothing but retro names will work against it, but we just need some degree of consistency in the future so something has to give. Lincoln will likely remain a very low volume US/China-only luxury marque with a handful of models so alpha naming is probably not as important as it is at BMW, Mercedes, Audi, etc. Lincoln can have many brands within a brand, Navigator and Continental don't need to be prefaced as "Lincoln". And Lincoln is more likely to compartmentalize its customer base to very specific models, they don't move up through the ranges, they only come for a certain car similar to many British makers. So I think it's a virtual certainty that Lincoln will phase out the MK naming scheme with each new generation of vehicle, especially since customer continuity isn't that critical right now at Lincoln. And in any case, names are less confusing replacements than a different alpha scheme like Caddy or Infiniti.

Edited May 25, 2016 by BORG

[fuzzymoomoo]

Both Cadillac and Lincoln suffer form a naming crisis that seems unending. As long as Lincoln doesn't force the change arbitrarily.

 

I actually think names can be just as dumb as letters and Buick has some of the worst nonsense names around.

 

Lincoln has a few retro names that are pleasing, but for the most part they would have to invent new ones. Zephyr is a little laughable when you consider its definition on a car that could have 400HP+.

The only Lincoln names that don't make sense to me are MKZ and MKS, and fortunately the latter is now gone.

[BORG]

The only Lincoln names that don't make sense to me are MKZ and MKS, and fortunately the latter is now gone.

 

 

 

Really, none of them make sense. MKC and MKX use letters that invoke crossover so I get that, and C comes before X...so sure. Then there is MKT...which doesn't matter now I guess since it sorta related to MKS...but that's really esoteric. MKZ implies the pinnacle of luxury but it's actually their cheapest car and was named that because it tied back to Zephyr. In any case, there is just no consistency that doesn't involve a backstory that only we appreciate. It's hard to love MK? when you have Continental, Aviator, and Navigator on tap...but what do you do with the rest? I'm sure Lincoln is probably really just playing this by ear and doesn't know what to do just yet.

Edited May 25, 2016 by BORG

[PREMiERdrum]

Anyone remember how the Fusion was almost the Futura?

 

I wouldn't read too much into Ford maintaining trademarks.

 

That said, I hope Ford sends Pepboys flowers each year to thank them for that one.

 

I don't believe they can squat on the TM. Part of the approval process requires them to commit to actually using the mark for the purposes noted on the application.

[fuzzymoomoo]

 

 

 

Really, none of them make sense. MKC and MKX use letters that invoke crossover so I get that, and C comes before X...so sure. Then there is MKT...which doesn't matter now I guess since it sorta related to MKS...but that's really esoteric. MKZ implies the pinnacle of luxury but it's actually their cheapest car and was named that because it tied back to Zephyr. In any case, there is just no consistency that doesn't involve a backstory that only we appreciate. It's hard to love MK? when you have Continental, Aviator, and Navigator on tap...but what do you do with the rest? I'm sure Lincoln is probably really just playing this by ear and doesn't know what to do just yet.

It might just be me. MKC and MKX both say crossover to me, C meaning compact and X meaning mid-size to me. I totally forgot MKT even exists. It makes sense to me for the full sizers have full names (Continental, Aviator, Navigator)

[ExplorerDude]

Well lets fill in the blanks, shall we? They are returning to real names as each vehicle goes through a complete redesign and not just a refresh.

 

MKZ - - - - - - - > Zephyr

MKS - - - - - - - > Continental

 

MKC - - - - - - - > Mark C or Mariner?

MKX - - - - - - - > Mark X

MKT - - - - - - - > Aviator

Navigator - - - - > Navigator

 

 

Just some thoughts. Any other ideas?

[BORG]

 

I don't believe they can squat on the TM. Part of the approval process requires them to commit to actually using the mark for the purposes noted on the application.

 

Thye have to be challenged first, it just prevents others from squatting first.

[Mark B. Morrow]

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2016/05/25/does-lincoln-zephyr-trademark-mean-return-to-real-names/?intcmp=obnetwork

 

The filing says Ford seeks to use Zephyr for "motor vehicles and parts and accessories therefor." That could mean a new car — or just parts. Putting the Zephyr badge back on the MKZ is the most likely bet. Meanwhile, Ford also moved to get the Thunderbird trademark on May 11 for the same vehicles and parts purpose, and it filed for the Mustang trademark for shampoo and lotions on May 4.

Mustang shampoo?

[rmc523]

Well lets fill in the blanks, shall we? They are returning to real names as each vehicle goes through a complete redesign and not just a refresh.

 

MKZ - - - - - - - > Zephyr

MKS - - - - - - - > Continental

 

MKC - - - - - - - > Mark C or Mariner?

MKX - - - - - - - > Mark X

MKT - - - - - - - > Aviator

Navigator - - - - > Navigator

 

 

Just some thoughts. Any other ideas?

 

I wouldn't use Mark X on MKX.

 

How about Aeronaut?

[rmc523]

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2016/05/25/does-lincoln-zephyr-trademark-mean-return-to-real-names/?intcmp=obnetwork

 

The filing says Ford seeks to use Zephyr for "motor vehicles and parts and accessories therefor." That could mean a new car — or just parts. Putting the Zephyr badge back on the MKZ is the most likely bet. Meanwhile, Ford also moved to get the Thunderbird trademark on May 11 for the same vehicles and parts purpose, and it filed for the Mustang trademark for shampoo and lotions on May 4.

 

Mustang shampoo?

 

I have Mustang cologne, aftershave, and body wash I bought a few years ago. (and actually like the smell too haha).

Edited May 26, 2016 by rmc523

[Mark B. Morrow]

 

I have Mustang cologne, aftershave, and body wash I bought a few years ago.

I still have a bottle from the Mustang cologne by Avon I got from my dad as a kid.

[sullynd]

 

I wouldn't use Mark X on MKX.

 

How about Aeronaut?

Lincoln Engineer?

[StangBang]

Lincoln Engineer?

How about Lincoln Penny or Lincoln Memorial? ???

 

No wait!

 

Lincoln ?A S S A S S I N A T O R ?

Edited May 26, 2016 by StangBang

[atomcat68]

To go on with the Lincoln theme of Navigator and Aviator(MKT), they could use Mariner for the MKC and Mercator (MKX). That way the theme of the SUV/CUV lineup would be exploration and maps.

[silvrsvt]

To go on with the Lincoln theme of Navigator and Aviator(MKT), they could use Mariner for the MKC and Mercator (MKX). That way the theme of the SUV/CUV lineup would be exploration and maps.

 

Mercator sounds funny and is hard to say. How about the Lincoln Marina?

[akirby]

 

Mercator sounds funny and is hard to say. How about the Lincoln Marina?

 

Marinara?

[BORG]

How about Lincoln Mercury...oh wait.

[630land]

Lincoln Capri, as they had in the 50's?

 

Anyway, I wish the Zepher name was used for this restyle coming out now, to go with Continental.

 

Caddy is floundering and names would help, since their most successful product is the Escalade for one.

[transitman]

Why is it that when I see the name Zephyr, I think of the 1940's. That name sounds dated to me.

[atomcat68]

Why is it that when I see the name Zephyr, I think of the 1940's. That name sounds dated to me.

 

Continental also sounds like a 1940's name, but I still like it and Zephyr. They have a heritage ring to them and I do think they fit the brand well.

 

(even Navigator sounds like a 1940's name as well)

[mercurymichael]

Cosmopolitan is another great name from Lincoln's past that compliments the Continental name. I like Zephyr and Capri as well, however, they have a muddied history going from Lincoln to Mercury and back to Lincoln in the case of Zephyr. I like the idea of worldly traveler names for Lincoln: Navigator, Aviator, Continental, Cosmopolitan. Town Car is still a great name even though it may be a little damaged. The right car could cure that quickly.