BMW, the parent company of the Mini brand, is considering legal options in response to a trademark application filed by Chinese Electric Car Manufacturer BYD for the ‘Dolphin Mini’ city hatch. The trademark, submitted on February 8, 2024, covers various automotive goods, including Cars and Electric Motors.
BYD’s ‘Dolphin Mini’ is known as the Seagull in export markets like Brazil and Mexico, where it has recently been introduced with a starting price of approximately $AU32,500. Should BYD’s trademark for the Dolphin Mini be approved in Australia and the car be launched in the market, it would directly compete with Mini Cooper electric hatch models.
While BYD’s Australian distributor, EVDirect, has stated that there are no plans to bring the Seagull to Australia, BMW’s legal representatives are carefully reviewing the situation. Mini Australia’s spokesperson stated, “BMW Group is aware of applications from BYD related to their ‘Dolphin Mini’ in Australia.
The matter is currently under review by our legal department, and they have chosen not to provide further comments on this ongoing matter.” BMW has held the trademark for the Mini badge since March 1997 and for the ‘Mini Cooper’ name since June 1996.
Although BYD’s intentions regarding the Dolphin Mini in Australia remain uncertain, its decision not to pursue a five-star ANCAP safety rating for the vehicle could affect its potential entry into the market.
EVDirect’s managing director, Luke Todd, explained that compact cars like the Seagull face challenges in obtaining a five-star safety rating, which is a key consideration for vehicles introduced into Australia.
Meanwhile, BYD has confirmed plans to launch four new models in Australia this year, including the Seal U mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV and a new dual-cab ute, with the remaining models yet to be named.