Ford may drop Fiesta name for Genesis, Isis, Phoenix or Cuga?
The Fiesta badge has been worn by small Fords the world over for more than 30 years, but it may not survive the arrival of the next-generation car according to reports. Apparently people inside Ford believe the new model is such a radical departure from the current model (shown above) that dropping the long-running moniker would be appropriate.
Just-auto.com reports that Ford has investigated three new names and registered a fourth. Genesis, Isis and Phoenix are already being checked for any prior claims by other companies. We suspect Hyundai might have something to say about who owns the "Genesis" badge. The name Cuga, meanwhile, has actually been registered by Ford, though we're not sure if it reserves the name for the new Fiesta or just to prevent other companies from using it and detracting from the Cougar name, which is also a revered name owned by Ford.
There are some inside Ford who believe the Fiesta name should be not so carelessly tossed aside. They make a good case, as the Fiesta name has earned a lot of credibility and cachet since it was first introduced in 1976. At the same time, the next-generation Fiesta will be the most global version of the car ever produced. The name Fiesta means very little to consumers in the U.S., and in fact, may remind some of the Festiva, which would be a bad thing. Either way, the next-gen Fiesta will be sold in the U.S. when it arrives in late 2009. Call it whatever you want, we just want to drive it.
[Source: just-auto.com, sub. req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
James 7:14PM (9/15/2008)
Though the name may be little known in the US those who do remember it, will know exactly what the new car is: inexpensive and frugal, which is just what is needed in this market.
-James
www.enfostuff.com
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rwcmick 2:38PM (5/15/2007)
It's too bad that Automotive News is reporting that the USA will get a sedan and not the hatch :-(
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Chris 2:39PM (5/15/2007)
Forget the Ford Fiesta or Ford Cuga and bring back the MERCURY COUGAR!!!!!!
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policyvote 2:41PM (5/15/2007)
Ironically, "Phoenix" was in the final round of candidate names considered for the car that would eventually become known as . . . the Edsel. True fact.
Peace
policy
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Clinton 2:53PM (5/15/2007)
I don't care if they call it the Pinto; JUST GET IT HERE ALREADY!
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Jonathan Hicks 2:50PM (5/15/2007)
Ford should continue to use the Fiesta name, because Hyundai owns the Genesis name. The Phoenix name has been taken by Pontiac for compact cars in the 1970's and 80's and Chrysler may use that name for an all new line of engines. Besides, I always liked the Fiesta name. Ford, please do NOT drop it!
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Shawn 2:52PM (5/15/2007)
policyvote, maybe you should look up the definition of "ironic" and "irony."
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Calebe 7:26AM (5/16/2007)
Just a sedan? I think I'm just going to stop even reading about Ford.
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bmoredlj 2:57PM (5/15/2007)
Keep Fiesta.
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bmoredlj 2:56PM (5/15/2007)
Ford should just do as George Costanza did: do the exact opposite of what its instincts tell it. Keep Fiesta.
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Max 3:00PM (5/15/2007)
My only fear with Fiesta is that people might confuse it with Festiva.....which would definetly hurt US sales.
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waitingforvizzini 3:02PM (5/15/2007)
i had a pair of Cugas (an off brand shoe) when I was growing up.
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Nellydesign 3:08PM (5/15/2007)
Lets hope Cuga was reserved to protect the Cougar name. Because the Ford Cuga sounds AWFUL. So Fiesta means nothing to American consumers, but I suppose "CUGA" brings up a world of happy memories and connotations.
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DDL 3:21PM (5/15/2007)
Let's see - they're renaming the Five Hundred and Freestyle as the Taurus because of all the equity the Taurus name had when they cast it aside for the new cars. Redo?!
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azzo45 3:40PM (5/15/2007)
Yo G! Cuga is young & hip for Cougar!!! :) :) :) Besides, who wants to spell things properly these days eh?.
Some overpaid Ford exec. thinks the name will jive with younger buyers due to the fact that his kids text message each other endlessly... ?? Solid business moves that have helped Ford lose 13 BILLION!!!
Does this mean Ford has paked their assine plan for naming all their Ford product with names starting with "F" ???
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Alan 3:52PM (5/15/2007)
What is wrong with the people at Ford.
Why change the name.
Do you see Honda or Toyota give up on there brands.
If they think they are going to sell more cars with
a name change are they in trouble. What do they pay these guys that come up with these ideas.
Build a good car and it will sell.
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Shawn 3:50PM (5/15/2007)
Do you guys spend this time time arguing about nonsensical words like Altima, Camry or stupid alphanumeric names like Xb or CRV?
Who cares what they call it.
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Don 3:49PM (5/15/2007)
"Isis"?
OOooOoooOo...bold.
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Don 3:49PM (5/15/2007)
"Isis"? OoooOOooo...bold.
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Jason 4:04PM (5/15/2007)
@azzo: the "F" name was really only used for their cars. Their SUV's and CUV's use "E" (Explorer, Escape, Expedition, Edge, Etc.). It does appear they're done with the "F" convention though.
Personally I think they should ditch the Fiesta name. Way to close to Festiva, and I doubt many people even know they're different cars.
Considering it looks like a baby Focus now, maybe they should/could somehow piggyback off the Focus name?
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