Nissan Seeks Trademark for Confusing Model Names, Hints At Future EV Lineup

Luckily for no one, the addition of electric model ranges to various OEM portfolios will only make today’s alphanumeric naming situation worse, including at Nissan. Mercedes-Benz and BMW deserve honorable mentions in this naming crime, but it’s really an industry-wide problem.

That brings us to this tidbit: the names IMQ and IMS, which just appeared in a trademark application. Until now, we’ve only heard about the Nissan IMX, which fails the name-recognition test compared to more more well-known monikers like CRX, MDX, and, um, DMX. The sought-after names point to two future vehicles, both of which might accompany the IMX electric crossover into production.

Just as no automaker can be without a bevy of crossover models these days, no self-respecting automaker can be without a future electric crossover. With the IMX, revealed in concept form at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan has an … interesting … addition to the green car landscape. It’s bold, rakish, and Nissan says a model drawing from it will reach production by 2020 or 2021.

The European Intellectual Property Office trademark application uncovered by AutoGuide points, at the very least, towards two more concept vehicles, though it’s possible the IMQ and IMS (the latter of which sounds like something sport-oriented) could join the future lineup. Or, one of these two names might stand in for the actual production version of the IMX concept. If you didn’t know, “IM” stands for Intelligent Mobility.

There was nothing stodgy about the IMX concept. In addition to the radical styling (how practical is that Acura ZDX-like rear?), the vehicle boasted two electric motors sending 429 horsepower and 517 lb-ft of torque to each corner. As we all know, 0-60 times and pure, raw power is what green car and crossover buyers alike care most about.

You won’t have to wait long to see another electric concept from the automaker, either. The company’s luxury division has one scheduled for a debut at next month’s North American International Auto Show.

[Image: Nissan]