ByteDance, the owner of TikTok and its Chinese version Douyin, recently launched a logo called "Douyin Car," featuring a car with the Chinese word for "Douyin Car" below it.
Local media outlet Tech Planet reported the news on Monday, citing a source close to ByteDance. The report said ByteDance had registered a trademark for "ByteDance Car" and all the developments suggest the company may be entering the car-making business.
In April, Chongqing Wanxiang Youche Technology Co Ltd was officially established with a focus on Internet and automotive-related businesses and is 100% owned by a wholly-owned subsidiary of ByteDance.
ByteDance executives have visited Great Wall Motors and a car networking company owned by Geely, as previously reported by 36kr.
They also visited Li Auto for research, and the two sides usually have several exchanges on the connected car business, the report said.
In addition, the trademark "ByteDance Car" was recently transferred to Beijing ByteDance Car Network Technology Co.
Last week, TikTok's local rival, an affiliate of Chinese short-video platform Kuaishou, registered the trademark "Kuaishou Car," with international classifications including scientific instruments, socio-legal, and edutainment.
The registration of these trademarks was filed in September 2019 and is seen as the company's long-standing intention to enter the automotive sector.
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