Hyundai’s current vehicle lineup covers most segments, but it appears that the Koreans might have something more up their sleeve.
A recent trademark application for the ‘Leonis’ moniker with the USPTO, discovered by AutoGuide, suggests that the automaker might be looking to add yet another model in its family.
The name can be used on just about anything, including “sports cars, vans, trucks, motor buses, RV automobiles and SUVs”, according to the United States Patent and Trademark office. The application was filed on April 3, and “the mark consists of standard characters without claim to any particular font style, size or color”, the document reveals.
But what does ‘Leonis’ actually mean?
Astronomers have used the name on several on several stars, which are found in the ‘Leo’ constellation. Leonis is also a fictional planet in ‘Battlestar Galactica’, and its connotation could remind some of the great Spartan warrior king Leonidas, but there’s nothing royal about the trademark, nor Spanish, for that matter (see SEAT Leon).
Moreover, automakers often secure monikers for future products that are eventually shelved, so it is not completely excluded that we will not see a Hyundai Leonis on the roads, not now, not ever.
Hyundai trademarked the Palisade, too
The Leonis nameplate isn’t the only one trademarked recently by Hyundai with the USPTO, as they also secured the Palisade moniker, which is believed to be used on the upcoming flagship SUV. The eight-seater is being co-developed alongside the production variant of the Kia Telluride Concept and should premiere in the coming months, or next year.
