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GM Files Trademark for the “Tribute” Vehicle Name

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The Publicis Groupe has announced its Detroit offices of Leo Burnetts and DigitasLBi will combine to serve GM as one single entity

There’s no word on which brand will offer the potential “Tribute” vehicle

Between 2000 and 2011, Mazda produced a compact SUV named the Mazda Tribute. Based on the Ford Escape, the small SUV model eventually disappeared from Mazda’s lineup as the automaker’s partnership with Ford eventually dissolved.

According to recent reports, the “Tribute” title may soon be utilized by a different automaker. That’s because General Motors just filed a trademark application for the “Tribute” vehicle name.

Mazda’s rights to the “Tribute” name reportedly expired back in 2012. Since Mazda hadn’t renewed the trademark between then and now, it allowed GM to claim the name instead.

The application filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office specifies that the “Tribute” name will be used primarily for “motor land vehicles, namely, automobiles, sport utility vehicles, trucks, vans, engines therefor and structural parts thereof.” That much makes sense, as crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks are hot commodities throughout the industry right now.

2001-2004 Mazda Tribute

The previous model to bear the “Tribute” name was an SUV from Mazda

What’s not known is what brand the vehicle will be released under. Chevrolet, Buick, or GMC could all release a model with the Tribute name, whereas a Tribute vehicle in Cadillac’s lineup seems less likely, given the brand’s affinity for an alphanumeric naming convention.

Another possibility is that one of GM’s upcoming electric vehicles could bear the Tribute name. Plans are in place for the automaker to release 20 new electric vehicles by 2023.

Finally, the Tribute title might be used for a special edition of one of GM’s existing vehicles in the near future. Until something official from GM regarding its latest trademark acquisition is released, the intended purpose for the “Tribute” vehicle title will simply have to be speculated upon.

News Source: AutoGuide