The company has filed trademarks in Australia, Europe, and the United States.
It is not easy to break down trademark filings. Although automakers may be able to obtain a trademark they won’t use, this new filing from Lexus stands a good chance of being seen. The trademarks filed by the luxury Japanese automaker were in the US, Europe and Australia. They were first discovered by Lexus Enthusiast for the RZ450e. This follows the current automaker’s naming conventions. It suggests that this could be a new model that the company will add as it expands into electric vehicles.
Lexus launched its EV rollout last year with the UX 300e for China and Japan. The goal is to have every model available with an electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain before 2025. The LF-30 concept, which was also revealed last year, provided a preview of that future. The LF-30 concept is a sleek, modern design with four in-wheel electric motors and polarizing styling. It was a concept, and we won’t be seeing it in production any time soon.
It’s not impossible to predict what Lexus will do with the RZ trademark. Lexus Enthusiast points out that Lexus already has the R in its lineup, along with the RC (a coupe) and RX (a crossover). It will feature an electric powertrain following the UX300e. The “e” at 450e is the end. The “Z” is the only exception to the name. The Lexus LC and RC are coupes, while the ES and LS are sedans. Crossovers are the UX, EX and GX. What is an RZ? Lexus could add it to its lineup to create a crossover coupe or a new body style.
Lexus is not the only automaker investing in electric cars. Cadillac just announced the Lyriq all-electric crossover, which will be available in 2023. There are also entries like the Mustang Mach-E or GMC Hummer E-V pickup. The approach of automakers to electric vehicles is different. Some are all-in, while others are still exploring the technology and waiting for the right time to roll it out.