Fiat Chrysler Files 'Angel' Trademark for Passenger Vehicles
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has filed an application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office to trademark the term “Angel.” Submitted on July 17th, the name would be applicable to FCA-branded vehicles, specifically passenger automobiles, their structural parts, badges, and trim.
Is this to be a special edition Dodge SRT Demon emblazoned with blinding white bodywork or a electric economy car named to poke fun at the beastly coupe? Either way, FCA could certainly use something angelic in its lineup, because the heavenly Pacifica can’t be left to do all the heavy lifting.
Spotted by Allpar, the trademark filing eludes specifically to a vehicle’s name. But, as it offers no additional details, FCA’s intent is left entirely to our imaginations. My best guess is it will find a home on a concept vehicle we’ll see once in public before FCA places it in storage, but I’m hoping I’m wrong on this one. With AMC long dead, Dodge may be the only brand left that could get away with naming a production vehicle “Angel.”
However, the name could just as easily be reserved for any of Fiat Chrysler’s other brands. It’s incredibly difficult to imagine what the Jeep Angel might look like. Perhaps it will be a high-strung hybrid — CEO Sergio Marchionne said the company will electrify roughly half of its fleet by 2022 and Dodge has to get around to EVs eventually.
There’s also a fair chance the trademark will never be used on anything. Automakers frequently scoop up names as a precautionary measure. Maybe someone at FCA went on a Friday bender, drunkenly suggested there should be a Dodge Angel, and an employee took them seriously enough to issue a filing.
Until the manufacturer lets something slip or the Patent and Trademark Office is forced to abandon the claim due to non-use, all we can do is speculate and make giant leaps based off what we know.
Successor to the Dodge Tomahawk? Plug-in Ram ProMaster with a built in cathedral? The possibilities are as endless as they are stupid. You tell us what you’d like to see.
[Image: FCA]
Consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulations. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Since adding automotive writing to his repertoire, he has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, discussed the status of the automotive sector on national broadcasts, participated in a few amateur rallying events, and driven more rental cars than anyone should ever have to. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and learned to drive by twelve. Alleged to be contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer and motorcycles.
More by Matt Posky
Comments
Join the conversation
"Spotted by Allpar, the trademark filing eludes specifically to a vehicle’s name." Will we ever know the vehicle's name or will it "elude" us all forever? Maybe they can "allude" to the name at a later point in time.
Challenger with a 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder.