Decoding the stories behind 10 car names

Did you know Tata’s Altroz is inspired by the magnificent albatross, an agile seabird that soars for hours and miles with minimum effort?

Car names can be intriguing! They are not just a label but a carefully crafted brand identity. Behind each name lies a tale of marketing brilliance, where companies invest substantial resources, engage branding consultants, and sometimes even run contests to arrive at the right name. In this blog, let’s look at the lesser-known stories behind 10 car names we see in India.

1. Hyundai Creta: After Crete, the largest of the Greek islands situated in the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, Crete served as the epicenter of Greece’s flourishing trade and culture, globally. The name evokes a sense of adventure, exploration, and the idea of going beyond boundaries.

2. MG Hector: Inspired by the noble qualities of Prince Hector, who commandeered the Trojan Army during the Trojan War. Renowned for his courageous leadership on the battlefield, Hector commands the Trojan forces with unmatched valor during the tumultuous Trojan War. His devotion to family is unwavering. The name also pays homage to the Hawker Hector biplane used in the 1930s.

3. Maruti Suzuki Baleno: A tribute to its agility, the name ‘Baleno’ means ‘flash’ or ‘lightning’ in Italian. The car is said to effortlessly live up to this namesake, swiftly through ahead with remarkable speed.

4. Skoda Kushaq:  Draws its name from the Sanskrit word ‘kushak,’ meaning ‘king’ or ’emperor.’ This choice in nomenclature is said to reflect the vehicle’s regal and commanding presence on the road in the automotive realm.

5. Maruti Suzuki Ciaz: The name ingeniously combines CI(ty) and (ja)AZ, embodying ‘City’ from A to Z. This clever amalgamation signifies that the vehicle is tailored for urban life, offering ideal comfort from every angle of city living.

6. VW Tiguan: Pronounced TEE-gwan, the name is a combination of the German words for “tiger” (Tiger) and “iguana” (Leguan). The name emphasizes the agility and power associated with a tiger, along with the versatility and adaptability associated with an iguana. The intention is to convey a sense of dynamic performance and flexibility.

7. Kia Seltos: Draws inspiration from Greek mythology, specifically the legendary Celtos, son of Hercules. Symbolizing the courageous and assertive essence of Celtos, the addition of the ‘S’ in the vehicle’s adapted name conveys a sense of speed and sportiness.

8. Tata Harrier: Echoing the formidable nature of the harrier hawk, a masterful hunter, the name reflects the essence of power, agility, and a commanding presence. These qualities align seamlessly with the attributes of this SUV, emphasizing its strength and capability.

9. Toyota Vellfire: Blending “velvet” and “fire,” the name underscores the vehicle’s smooth, luxurious qualities akin to velvet, while also highlighting its passionate and fiery attributes. The name symbolizes a harmonious fusion of elegance and dynamism.

10. Tama Sumo: After Sumant Moolgaokar (Su-Mo), one of the long-serving executives and a former MD of Tata Motors. Moolgaokar’s contributions as an architect of Tata Motors have left an indelible mark, and the name Tama Sumo pays tribute to his legacy and enduring influence on the company.

Hope you enjoyed reading this.