Avanti's Studebaker XUV Sport Utility Will Have to Change
Avanti Motor Corp., best known for its reincarnated Studebaker Avanti replica, has agreed to modify the design of its upcoming sport utility vehicle. The two companies came to an amicable agreement out of court.
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| Avanti will have to change their Studebaker XUV to avoid infringement on General Motor's Hummer H2 design. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
First shown at the Chicago Auto Show, the Studebaker XUV (Xtreme Utility Vehicle) came under fire for looking like a "knock-off" of General Motor's Hummer H2, or at least that's what the lawsuit stated.
Avanti's Studebaker, at a targeted 150 handcrafted units per year, is hardly a threat to the popular H2, but trademark infringement is trademark infringement and the tiny automaker will have to make changes.
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| The XUV's front and rear modifications will make it look similar to the '63 Studebaker Wagonaire. (Photo: Avanti Motor Corporation) |
Modifications to the front and rear fascia will help the XUV to look more like the 1963 Studebaker Wagonaire, which ties the famed name to some historical relevance, a positive result.
"There are going to be some changes made in the car's design, but we're talking really minor alterations," said Don Collignon, a spokesman for Avanti.