The Ferrari F150 forced to change its name
Following a complaint for trademark infringement filed by Ford, Ferrari renames its single-seater: F150th Italia
A few days before it was even presented, the Ferrari had received its baptismal name, F150, in homage to the 150th anniversary of Italian Unification, the foundation of modern Italy. However, according to the Italian manufacturer, Ferrari’s reasons were entirely different, and the Maranello firm had decided to use the name F150 in order to capitalize on […] what Ford has developed with the F-150.
Indeed, the F-150 pickup truck has been the flagship vehicle of the brand since 1984, sold in tens of millions of units and holding the top spot in sales in the U.S. for nearly 30 years: 10,000 units are reportedly sold each week.
F-150 is an important and popular brand […] thanks to Ford’s intense marketing and promotion activity. The great value gained over years of work is seriously threatened by the adoption of the name F150 by Ferrari, adds Ford’s management.
Ford therefore demands the immediate name change of the latest creation from Maranello as well as €100,000 in damages.
While the American manufacturer claims to have expressed its objections to Scuderia since the unveiling of its car, Ferrari has finally decided to react and has decided to rename its car, which now bears the name Ferrari F150th Italia, clarifying its reference to Italian Unity.
This is not a first in Formula One, however, since in 1991, following a complaint filed by the manufacturer Porsche, Jordan had renamed its Jordan 911 to Jordan 191.
On the American side, this is not a first either. In 1992, Ford strongly opposed Toyota’s plan to name its own pickup T150… The Japanese manufacturer also had to back down.
For Ferrari and Ford, it’s just another line added to their tumultuous history. It all began in 1963 with Enzo Ferrari’s desire to sell his company—which was then facing financial difficulties—to Ford while retaining control over the Formula One activities. Following Ford’s refusal, Il Commendatore ended the negotiations to the dismay of Henry Ford II, who, in response, ordered the construction of the now-legendary GT40. This car would end Ferrari’s dominance at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans and establish its own dominance in the years to come.
