Coming Stateside? Skoda Files For US Trademarks And Patents For Entire Line Up

Czech vehicle names and badging are piling up at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, adding fuel to the rumors of a stateside Škoda launch.

On July 14, Škoda Auto filed a trademark application for VRS, which is the performance variant of the brand’s Octavia lineup. If the Czechs do invade the American marketplace, they might bring something fun with them.

A month ago, Škoda filed for use of the “Skoda H-Tec” name, but the rumor mill mother lode came in late May, when the Volkswagen-owned automaker filed trademark applications for “Skoda Superb”, “Superb”, “Octavia”, and “Yeti.” That’s an entire lineup of vehicles, even though the company hasn’t sold a product in the U.S. since the early 1960s.

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MDarringer - 7/27/2016 11:06:20 AM

+3 Boost

The Yeti could have been a sensation here.

If Skoda comes as the entry-level brand, then where does that leave VW? VW going up market makes no sense because Audi is already there and if you're you're going to buy an expensive VW, don't you want the Audi name on it?

Skodas are better looking than VWs and the better thing would be to use Skoda to replace the VW line. VW Yeti, VW Superb...

xjug1987a - 7/27/2016 12:01:00 PM

+2 Boost

What better way for VW to reach its "800K Sales in the US" target than by bringing in a whole new line of cars. But, Toyota tried w/Scion and failed. What makes VW think they'll succeed after they have been selling cars in the US for what 60years? I think they may use Skoda to actually "replace" VW in the US? VW cannot seem to get traction in the US regardless of what they do. "I" say its because unlike the Koreans, the Germans micromanage the US with Germans Executives that think they know best. The Koreans, although they went thru multiple CEO's (Finbar O'Neil, Steve Wilhite, etc...) They hired Bob Cosmai (5yrs), John Krafick (5yrs) and now Dave Z (4 yrs) and let them actually lead and guide the US Business. Compare Hyundai & Kia to VW...

MDarringer - 7/27/2016 12:43:14 PM

+2 Boost

Toyota also listened a LOT to what Americans wanted from it and built those products.

A colleague has gone to a number of VW dealer meeting with corporate, but corporate does not want to hear what products the dealers need but instead they berate the dealers for not meeting sales goals.

I've long thought Skodas would make better VWs for the USA than actual VWs, but adding a brand to VW/Porsche/Audi stores is not a good thing.

Here's a curve for you. What if Skoda is going to replace Chrysler with VW getting their hands on Jeep and Ram in the process?

I wouldn't put it past VW.

xjug1987a - 7/27/2016 2:08:10 PM

0 Boost

Incredible theory, but I hope it doesn't happen. I'd love to see a healthy Chrysler, period. Japan has Nissan/Toyota/Mazda/Subaru, Germany has VW/MB & BMW, Korea has Hyundai & Kia and other nations have theirs. There is no reason the US cannot have 3 healthy car companies. That said, VW still has a bunch of cash and could, buy these brands, instantly owing a golden goose.

MDarringer - 7/27/2016 3:01:58 PM

0 Boost

FCA doesn't have time to get better and the golden goose of Jeep and Ram would help VW pay down their losses over dieselgate. If VW bought the whole show, it would own Europe even more than it does now.

TomM - 7/27/2016 5:23:53 PM

+2 Boost

I believe that because of where they are built - the Skoda cars are probably more profitable at low prices than VWs would be. Since it is unlikely that VW will be accepted as anything but an entry level car - based on the past - I doubt it would succeed if VW tries to take it upmarket.

There are enough people in the USA who do not know much about Skoda - that they might be able to compete at the low end with Hyundai and Mitsubishi. They would need a long warranty to do so though. However - this would essentially mean the end of the VW brand as a mass marketer in the USA.

MDarringer - 7/27/2016 6:51:45 PM

+1 Boost

@TomM you're so passe. Hyundai is not a "low end" brand anymore and they haven't been one for over a decade.

xjug1987a - 7/27/2016 2:12:18 PM

0 Boost

Your comment about "listening" is exactly right. All the Hyundai Execs were former VP of Sales and especially Cosmai & Dave Z with excellent relations w/dealers, THAT is a huge factor and in agreement with your comments....