With the exception of Q2 and Q4, Audi has trademarked all names from Q1 to Q9 but not the Q2 and Q4 ones, which were in Fiat Chrysler’s possession.
After the later strongly objected to their use in Ingolstadt’s Q2 and Q4 upcoming SUVs, it seemed that the Germans were looking for alternatives.
This search is now over, as Audi CEO Rupert Stadler announced that the two automakers eventually reached an agreement.
Specifics about the deal haven’t been made public, but Stadler hinted that Audi may have traded a couple of its trademarks with FCA in exchange for the Q2 and Q4 ones. He also said that no money had to change hands as part of the deal.
“We promised each other we wouldn’t disclose what it cost, but it was not something they were willing to sell. We tried to get it years ago and they said ‘No, never,’ but there is never ‘never’ in business. This year I went back to them with a proposal and we talked and there were some negotiations and then we agreed to it.”
In FCA, the Q2 badge denoted the firm’s limited-slip differential technology and Q4 was used on all-wheel drive variants of the Maserati Ghibli and Quattroporte.
The first will now be used for Audi’s upcoming sub-compact crossover. The new model will ride on the VW Group’s MQB platform and is expected to be available with the same range of engines as the A1. A debut for the car at the Geneva Motor Show in a couple of months is likely.
As for the Q4 name, it is expected to be used on a coupe-like variant of the next-generation Audi Q3. Apparently, the VW Group has decided its premium brand should enter each and every segment and niche and goes ahead with its schedule, leaving Audi out of the cuts implemented after Dieselgate.
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