We caught wind the C7 Corvette Stingray may become Holden’s new halo vehicles in 2018 after the locally produced VF Commodore bites the dust. Stefan Jacoby, GM head of international operations, stated Holden would be receiving a new, rear-wheel drive V8 sports coupe to succeed the VF Commodore.
Now that we know the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro will not be offered in right-hand drive, it really only leaves one vehicle left: the C7 Corvette.
But, we had received intel from the Bowling Green manufacturing plant, home to the C7 Corvette, that a right-hand drive version was simply out of the question regarding manufacturing capabilities. We don’t know if that’s entirely true, because Wheels has uncovered an interesting piece of information in Australia.
It seems GM is currently in the midst of a bitter trademark battle. GM has applied to trademark the restyled C7 Corvette badge on numerous occasions, with Australia’s trademark watchdog denying the company each time.
The current badge features a checkered flag on one side, and a Chevrolet bowtie on the other, with a fleur-de-lis accompanying it. What’s the root of the problem? Australian trademark officials believe the slanted Chevrolet bowtie looks too similar to the Australian Red Cross symbol.
The Red Cross Symbol is protected under Australian legislation dating back to the Geneva Conventions Act of 1957. Now, GM will need to seek approval from the Australian Defense Minister in order to use the badge on the C7 Corvette down under, or face hefty fines.
And if this truly is holding the C7 Corvette Stingray back, GM is running out of time. The trademark is on the brink of being officially refused. No ifs, ands or buts. According to the documents obtained, a hearing in front of the trademark watchdog has been scheduled.
Both Holden and Chevrolet denied the issue, with no response from Chevrolet. Holden has gone on the record to state the “names and logos are constantly trademarked by General Motors in markets around the world for a variety of reasons.”
Horsepower and grip take the win.
Amid a legal battle with a GM supplier.
Generally following the market trend.
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Looked it up, and it does NOT look alike.
The symbols aren't even close. Gotta be more behind this story.
Doesn't make sense
http://www.redcross.org.au/principles.aspx
Any reason you did not show us the offending emblem ?
Because this article is a load of crap. It's just them preventing any V8 GM products from coming to Australia after the Commodore is no longer produced.
Why would they desperately and continually apply for a trademark in Australia to debut a right hand drive model? It's something they could easily debut in the UK if they had one.
Absolute red tape madness.
This makes no sense. They let other American logos into Australia without problems, even though a few had to change their name because a Australian company had it registered first.
A gold chevrolet bowtie in a field of red looks nothing like a red cross. Whats the real reason.