New Volkswagen Electric Buggy Hints at Off-Road Capabilities with ID. Lobo Trademark

Unraveling the Connection Between ID. Run and ID. Core: A Comparative Analysis

Volkswagen has recently filed for three intriguing trademarks with the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), indicating the arrival of fresh electric models from the renowned brand. As reported by CarBuzz, the trademarks in question are for the titles ID. LOBO, ID. RUN, and ID. CORE, with the “ID.” prefix being a nod to VW’s established naming convention for its electric lineup, including the likes of the ID. 4, ID. Buzz, and ID. GTI.

On March 7, 2024, all three brand names were submitted for trademark registration according to classifications 12, 28, 35, and 37 under the Nice Agreement. The last three mentioned categories entail toys, retail sales of motor vehicles, and structures involved in vehicle upkeep, respectively. Class 12, however, specifically pertains to motor vehicles, including electric vehicles (EVs), hinting at the possibility of these titles being designated for new models. But what is their significance and where might they be applied?

The term ‘Lobo’ derives from the Spanish word for wolf, and holds significant significance in Volkswagen’s tradition for various reasons. Primarily, the renowned German car manufacturer has its roots in Wolfsburg, Germany, which is home to its headquarters. However, what holds greater relevance is the fact that Volkswagen has a rich heritage of incorporating wolf-inspired names.

Dedicated enthusiasts of the label are sure to be familiar with the Volkswagen Lupo, a compact three-door hatchback that was previously manufactured by VW between 1998 and 2005. Interestingly, “Lupo” means “wolf” in Italian, in contrast to its Spanish translation. Then came the introduction of the Volkswagen Amarok, a midsize pickup truck that is currently in its second iteration and constructed on top of the Ford Ranger platform. Interestingly, in the Inuit language, “Amarok” also happens to symbolize the wolf.

The ‘Lobo’ moniker holds a strong connection with Volkswagen, as back in the 1960s and 70s, a line of unique dune buggies crafted from the Beetle chassis were famously referred to as El Lobo. After conducting some research, we have discovered that Volkswagen has recently submitted for eight fresh trademarks, one being Angra. Our attention is drawn towards this development due to the fact that a Brazilian coachbuilder by the name of Angra was once responsible for producing VW-based buggies in the mid-80s.

The close proximity of VW submitting two trademarks related to buggies within a span of one week cannot be disregarded.

It appears that Volkswagen is gearing up to introduce a new model resembling a buggy, with varying names intended for different regions. Angra seems suited for the South American market (due to Volkswagen’s significant presence in Brazil), while the Lobo moniker is recognized in the central and northern parts of America. The newly trademarked ID. prefix suggests that the vehicle will be electric, hinting at the utilization of the MEB platform or possibly the advanced MEB2 design, which is predicted to serve as the foundation for two Scout electric off-roaders.

Volkswagen had previously unveiled the ID. Buggy, a concept car built on the MEB platform, proving its feasibility. The famous Meyers Manx was also introduced, now reborn as an electric buggy for the modern era. Despite VW’s decision to cancel production of the ID. Buggy in 2020, developments over the past year may have changed their plans and given rise to the possibility of it becoming a reality once again.

The remaining two trademarks hold some mystery as they do not hold any significance relating to the history of the VW brand. With the exception of an event called ID. Run organized by VW in China, there seems to be no connection between VW and the term “Run”. Could it be that the German automaker plans to organize similar events in Europe?

Regarding ID. Core, the label does not appear to belong to a model; rather, it evokes connotations of software or perhaps infotainment. These are all feasible interpretations, though.

As is typically the situation with applications for trademark registration, the car manufacturer may employ them or they might not. In certain cases, intellectual property is safeguarded purely to prevent competing carmakers from utilizing comparable terminology. Additionally, we possess limited details to supplement these trademarks, so a degree of guessing is expected. With that in mind, we invite your viewpoints, thus do not hesitate to share your thoughts on these trademarks in the comment section.