Despite
ForbesMagazine curmudgeon Jerry Flint’s opinion on Lincoln’s naming strategy, there
are reasons why automakers use alphanumeric designations (i.e., G35; MKZ, etc.) instead of
giving vehicles’ actual names such as Regal, Pinto, etc.
TechnoRide’s editor Bill Howard points to one
obvious reason: translations. The Buick Lacrosse is but the most recent example. Assumed to have been named after the
sport, the Buick Regal replacement took on an entirely different meaning in Canadian-French
slang. Mitsubishi’s Pajero also suffered a similar translation problem in Mexico.
Other naming ‘oopses’
include:
- AMC Matador. A reminder that cultures that speak the same language don’t necessarily use
them the same way. To Spanish-speaking Puerto Ricans, ‘Matador’ means killer. - GM’s Hummer. No
comment. - Ford Caliente. Also translates as ‘streetwalker‘.
- Toyota Fiera. Also means
‘ugly old woman‘ in Puerto Rico.
Howard also points out that some vehicle nicknames make sense
after the vehicle acquires a certain reputation (e.g., the pictured AMC Gremlin and its numerous mechanical problems).
Feel free to shout out other naming oddities in Comments.
[Source: TechnoRide]