Ferrari’s much-anticipated entry into the electric vehicle space could face an unexpected hurdle before the car even reaches showrooms. The Italian marque may be forced to reconsider the name of its first EV after Mazda filed a trademark application for the name “Luce” in Japan.
Documents uncovered by CarExpert show that Mazda submitted the trademark request only weeks after Ferrari publicly revealed the name of its upcoming electric model. If approved, the filing could complicate Ferrari’s ability to use the Luce badge in certain markets.
Mazda’s Luce Name Has Historic Roots
The Luce name is not new to Mazda. It was used for one of the brand’s flagship sedans between 1966 and 1991. In some markets, including Australia, the model was better known as the Mazda 929.
Over the years, the Luce became a key part of Mazda’s premium lineup and even spawned notable versions like the 1969 Mazda Luce Rotary Coupe, which featured the brand’s distinctive rotary engine technology.
Mazda revisited that heritage in 2017 with the Vision Coupe concept. The sleek, long-bodied sedan was described as a tribute to Mazda’s design history, with the original Luce coupe cited as one of its inspirations. While the concept was never confirmed for production, many observers saw it as a preview of a future Mazda 6.
Given that background, Mazda’s move to secure the Luce trademark again may simply be about protecting a historic name rather than signaling a new model.
Ferrari’s First Electric Car Takes Shape
Ferrari first teased the interior of its upcoming electric car in February 2026, revealing a cabin that signals a new design direction for the brand. The project has drawn particular attention because the interior was developed in collaboration with LoveFrom, the design studio founded by legendary Apple designer Sir Jony Ive and Australian designer Marc Newson.
The electric model represents a major step for Ferrari as it navigates the industry’s shift toward electrification. While Ferrari has already introduced hybrid technology across several models, the forthcoming EV will be the company’s first fully electric production car.
At the time of the reveal, Ferrari also confirmed the vehicle would carry the name “Luce,” an Italian word meaning “light.”
Trademark Moves Are Common in the Auto Industry
Mazda’s trademark filing does not necessarily mean the company plans to launch a new Luce-badged vehicle. Automakers often renew or secure trademarks simply to prevent competitors from using historically significant names.
Still, the move could complicate Ferrari’s plans if the Italian brand intends to sell the Luce in markets where Mazda holds the rights to the name.
Not the First Automotive Naming Conflict
The auto industry has seen several similar naming disputes over the years. In 2024, Alfa Romeo had to rename its smallest SUV shortly after unveiling it as the Milano. Because the vehicle was being produced in Poland, Italian regulations prevented the use of a name suggesting an Italian origin. The model was later renamed Junior.
Another example dates back to 2003, when Fiat planned to call its new city car the Gingo. Renault objected because the name sounded too similar to its Twingo hatchback, prompting Fiat to switch to the now-familiar Panda name.
Even Volvo once had to rethink naming plans when it considered calling the first-generation S40 sedan the “S4,” a badge already associated with Audi’s performance lineup.
For now, Ferrari’s Luce name remains intact. But if Mazda’s trademark filing succeeds, the Italian automaker may have to decide whether to negotiate, challenge the claim, or find a completely new name for its first electric car.
