10 CARS KNOWN BY DIFFERENT NAMES
There are numerous reasons why car models are re-badged for different countries, one of which is to make sure nothing gets lost in translation. Take the Chevrolet Nova, a nameplate that is often used as an anecdote in marketing classes because nova translates to “it doesn’t go” in Spanish. Some say the Chevrolet Nova failed in Spanish-speaking markets because of its name, although that’s mostly a myth.
Chevrolet Spark / Opel Karl
While they aren’t identical cars when it comes to styling, the Opel Karl shares its underpinnings and overall design with the Chevrolet Spark. The subcompact is also sold under the Vauxhall Viva nameplate in the U.K.
Chevrolet SS / Holden Commodore
Unlike most of Chevrolet’s models, the SS is actually imported from Australia and is produced by Holden. In its home market, the sports sedan is known as the Holden Commodore. Sadly, its future isn’t very bright, as Holden is shutting down in Australia.
Ford F-150 / Ford Lobo
The Ford F-150 has been the bestselling vehicle in the U.S. for many years, but in Mexico, it’s not even called that — it’s called the Ford Lobo. In Spanish, Lobo means “wolf,” which seems like a fitting nameplate for Ford’s popular pickup truck.
Infiniti Q50 & Q60 / Nissan Skyline
For decades, the Nissan Skyline was a sought-after model in the U.S. But that all changed when Nissan shifted the Skyline name to a more conventional vehicle that became known as the Infiniti G35 and G37. Infiniti’s model is now known as the Q50 and Q60 — but in Japan, it still carries the Skyline nameplate.
Mazda2 / Mazda Demio
The Mazda2 no longer exists in North America, but the subcompact lives on in other markets. In Japan, it’s known as the Mazda Demio and it actually exists in another form in the U.S., as the Scion iA. But now that the Scion marque has been killed off, it will be rebranded as the Toyota Yaris iA. Chevrolet Bolt / Opel Ampera-e The Opel Ampera-e is essentially the Chevrolet Bolt’s German twin, with minor changes to its esthetics to fit with the Opel brand name. The Ampera nameplate is also used for the European equivalent of the Chevrolet Bolt, while the model takes the Vauxhall brand in the U.K.
Dodge Dart / Fiat Viaggio
Known as the Dodge Dart in North America, the Fiat Viaggio is actually built in China for the Chinese market and instead of the 2.0- or 2.4-litre engine used in the Dart, the Viaggio comes with a smaller 1.4-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine. The Dodge Dart/Fiat Viaggio is actually based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.
Ford Fusion / Ford Mondeo
North Americans might know it as the Ford Fusion, but elsewhere in the world, the mid-size sedan is called the Ford Mondeo. Its name comes from the Latin word mundus, meaning “world.” The Mondeo was designed to be a world car, except it took on a different name in the North American market.
Infiniti Q70 / Nissan Fuga
Like the Nissan Skyline and the Infiniti Q50/Q60 models, the larger Infiniti Q70 takes on a different nameplate in Japan. The model was previously known as the Infiniti M and has been the flagship for Infiniti since 2006.
Scion iM / Toyota Auris
When the Scion iM was first introduced as a concept, it appeared that it would inject some life back into the youthoriented brand. But even in concept form, it was evident that the model would be based on the Toyota Auris. The production Scion iM took the form of the European Toyota Auris with very little changes. The Scion iM will become the Toyota Corolla iM now that the Scion brand has been axed.