China V Germany – Not Soccer, It’s Chery Taking-On Mercedes-Benz

German giant Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled plans for its line of electric cars to be called ‘EQ’ and announced plans for manufacturing in Germany and China – the latter already the world’s largest EV (electric vehicle market).

But according to newsagency Reuters there is a significant road-block in the form of Chinese brand Chery which has told trademark regulators it has been selling its ‘eQ’ two-door electric car for two years.

While ‘Benz has filed its own EQ trademark application, Chery has lodged a formal complaint.

“If it (Mercedes-Benz) entered the Chinese market, it would impact our trademark rights,” a Chery spokesperson confirmed. “”Mercedes Benz EQ and our (eQ) are extremely similar. Their product is also an electric car.”

Apart from confirming it has lodged trademark applications for EQ, a statement from Mercedes-Benz said it had no further information.

MORE: Opel’s Diesel Emissions Investigation Closed
MORE News & Reviews: Mercedes-Benz | Chery | Legal Action