Audi blocks use of GQ3 name by Qoros, report says

FRANKFURT -- Audi won a temporary court injunction to prevent Chinese automaker Qoros from using the letter "Q" as as part of the name of a new sedan planned for Europe and China, a German newspaper said.

Qoros plans to launch a compact sedan called the GQ3 in China in the second half and in Europe toward the end of the year. Audi uses the letter "Q" for its SUVs and crossovers and objected to the letter appearing in the GQ3 name, Die Welt reported today.

The paper said Audi won a court injunction against Qoros in Hamburg's civil court on January 14. A court spokesman confirmed the injunction, the paper said.

Qoros will unveil the GQ3 at the Geneva auto show in March. Alongside the compact, the brand will also display concepts previewing a crossover hatchback and a station wagon, all using the same underpinnings. Qoros is a partnership between Chinese automaker Chery and investment company Israel Corporation.

Qoros said it was surprised by Audi's complaint because the company filed the GQ3 trademark at the European Trademark office and had formally notified Audi.

A Qoros spokesman told Automotive News Europe that GQ3 was a preliminary name for the sedan and not final, adding that Qoros will oppose the court injunction "to keep its options open."

Qoros says it will sell China-built cars that will meet Western safety, driving and comfort standards at affordable prices. It has not yet disclosed pricing but the GQ3 is expected to compete against cars such as the Skoda Rapid.

The brand has hired high-profile employees from Western car companies such as its design chief Gert Hildebrand, a former Mini head of styling, and deputy CEO Volker Steinwascher, a former head of Volkswagen in the United States.