A few recent patent applications reveal that the Honda Element
may be making its return to the automotive industry:
- The first patent application is a “camper for a vehicle”.
- The second patent application is for an “adjustable cargo area partition for a vehicle”. Images filed alongside the patent applications showcase a large box-styled vehicle with “a smaller rear door that appears to be rear-hinged”.
These distinctive features are marks of the former Honda
Element, which was discontinued in 2011. However, the boxy design
was one of the primary reasons the original vehicle was
discontinued – it did not appeal to car owners who were used
to curvy designs at the time. Recent shifts in consumer desires,
with an increasing number of boxy SUVs being launched by several
automakers, could explain Honda's willingness to explore
bringing the Element back to the market.
While the filing of these patent applications does not
necessarily imply that the Honda Element is coming back, it does
suggest a similarly-styled vehicle could be in the
works.
The content of this article does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on in that way. Specific advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
