In the competitive world of automotive marketing, choosing the right name for a car is crucial. It reflects the brand’s identity and influences consumer perceptions and market success. Sometimes, when manufacturers are naming cars, they recklessly decide on one of the most hilarious and disastrous names that might not even be significant to their creation. Here are five outrageous instances when car names turned out wrong, leaving marketing teams and consumers scratching their heads.
5. Daihatsu Applause
Daihatsu’s “Applause” finishes off our list with a name that sets a bar so high but might only be able to bring out slow clap from consumers. “Applause” is a name that radiates confidence and praise but the reality often falls short. Such names make the customers expect a lot and that can be a difficult task to complete. When the expectations aren’t met and the performance and design of the car fail to deliver, the customers are bound to get disappointed.
4. Suzuki Esteem
Suzuki’s intentions were clear when they came up with a name like “Esteem” for their model. It was evident that they wanted to evoke the emotions of respect and admiration in the customers, though a name can never ensure that the car will itself command respect. A name like that can often make the customers’ expectations rocket and if those expectations are not fulfilled, the name acts in the favor of the manufacturers.
3. Mitsubishi Carisma
Mitsubishi appears on the list again with yet another blatant bad choice of name, “Carisma”. The name was intended to infuse charm and allure into the vehicle. Unfortunately, it failed badly to do so. You can’t inculcate a car with charisma by naming it “Carisma”. It takes a lot more to do that. The car should at least live up to the expectations set by its name to do the name a little justice.
2. Nissan Sunny
When you hear the word “Sunny”, usually you would think of warmth, brightness, and positive energy but when you pair it with a car, it fails big time to radiate any joy and rather sounds weird. A name like “Nissan Overcast” could have been a better and classy choice. The amount of disconnect between the name and the respective product can make potential buyers lose interest and leave them confused about what the Nissan Sunny is trying to depict.
1. Mitsubishi Lettuce
The Mitsubishi Lettuce kicks off our list with its stupid and immature choice of name. Imagine spending years designing a hatchback, only to bless it with a name synonymous with blandness. While vegetables might evoke freshness and health, “Lettuce” hardly conveys excitement or desirability in a car. Mitsubishi could have opted for something more dynamic like “Carrot” or “Broccoli,” but alas, Lettuce it was.
Whether it’s underwhelming choices like “Lettuce” or overly ambitious ones like “Applause,” these car names serve as cautionary tales for future marketers and manufacturers alike. Ultimately, a successful car name should resonate with consumers, accurately represent the product, and contribute positively to the brand’s image.
