Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited (MEAL) has decided to rename its upcoming electric SUV from BE 6e to BE 6. This decision comes after IndiGo, India’s largest airline, filed a lawsuit claiming trademark infringement over the name “6E”.
The Dispute
IndiGo, operated by InterGlobe Aviation, uses the IATA call-sign “6E,” which is similar to Mahindra’s “BE 6e” except for the small ‘e’ at the end. IndiGo argued that the similarity could cause confusion among customers. Mahindra, however, stated that their mark is “BE 6e,” not just “6E,” and emphasized the distinct styling and industry context of their product.
Mahindra has applied for trademark registration under class 12 (vehicles) for “BE 6e” as part of its electric origin SUV portfolio. The company believes that the claim by IndiGo is baseless and plans to contest it in court. Mahindra’s CEO, Dr. Anish Shah, said, “We find it unseemly that two large Indian multinationals should engage in a distracting and unnecessary conflict when we should be championing each other’s growth and expansion.”
BE 6: The New Name
Despite the ongoing legal battle, Mahindra has decided to rename the SUV to BE 6 to avoid any potential confusion. The BE 6 is Mahindra’s first all-electric vehicle under its new EV-specific ‘BE’ sub-brand. It features a futuristic design, dual digital displays, dual-zone AC, dual wireless phone chargers, and an augmented reality-based heads-up display.
Market Impact
The BE 6 will compete with other electric SUVs like the Tata Curvv EV and MG ZS EV. It offers two battery pack options: a 59 kWh unit with a range of 535 km and a 79 kWh unit with a range of 682 km. The SUV is priced from INR 18.90 lakh (introductory ex-showroom pan-India). The SUV will be showcased at the Bharat Mobility Expo in January 2025 along with the XEV 9e.
Also Read: The Lawsuit! Mahindra BE 6e Vs. Indigo 6E