The trend of bringing old car names is getting popular. However, not all models do justice to this phenomenon. See the following examples to decide for yourself. If you want to sell any car in UAE, visit the CarSwitch website.
Chevrolet Blazer and Trailblazer
GM filled an absence in it’s lineup with a midsize crossover SUV in 2019, for which it named Blazer. But as compared to old Blazers, the 2019 one didn’t have 2-doors, a removable roof, or a body-on-frame SUV. Instead, this one was a 5-seater crossover.
It’s surprising that the popular old car name which dates back to 1969 and wasn’t used again until 2005 would return in such an odd way. However, the customers supported the automaker’s decision. Mostly loved the cool SUV boasting a floating roof, high beltline, and an exotic design. It’s Camaro overtones especially had a unique exterior.
When the audience’s surprise ended, Chevrolet introduced another crossover in 2021 to fill the gap between Equinox and Trax. It named the crossover Trailblazer and saved millions of dollars to invent a new nameplate. Chevy believed that no one would remember the name’s history. The marketing director of the company, Steve Majors, said: “The point is, ‘Blazer’ is a great name and brings instant Chevy connection.”
The CEO of GM, Mary Barra added: “I think when you look at the value of what that vehicle stood for, everything’s changing so it’s not like you have to bring it back exactly as it was. You bring it back in a way that redefines what that segment, what that brand, what that model name represented. We think carefully about that. There are a lot of wonderful names we haven’t brought back.”
Ford Mustang Mach-E
This old car name phenomenon originated in the Motor City where Big Three manufacturers’ headquarters are situated. But when Ford revealed that it named the new electric crossover as Mustang Mach-E, the public went bonkers. Mustangs are a fierce breed, they said.
They aren’t supposed to be SUVs or electric. The automaker knew this move would spark controversies but the CEO boosted the performance and exterior to such an extent that both critics and customers made it Ford’s best-selling Mustang.
Ford went all in. The CEO, Jim Farley, exclaimed: “Mustang is so well-known, even people that never owned a Ford know what Mustang is. It really helps position the vehicle even for people who have never bought a Mustang or never bought a Ford.”
In the initial stages, the electric Mustang was discredited by the director of Ford icons, Dave Pericak. The next few months were dedicated to changing the springs and suspension bushings along with stiffening the body. It then convinced everyone.
Read More: 15 Best Cars for Older Drivers Reviews
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and e-Evolution SUV
Mitsubishi kept second-guessing whether the old Eclipse fans would approve the Eclipse Cross compact crossover which was unveiled in the market for the 2018 model year. But after a year-long break, a more gorgeous Eclipse Cross returned in the 2022 model year but this refresh didn’t appeal to the longtime Eclipse owners.
Nevertheless, the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America, Fred Diaz, said this in 2018: “There is so much equity in the Eclipse. Personally, I think it was brilliant to resurrect the Eclipse name and to associate it with the CUV market, so the Eclipse Cross hits the mark dead-on.”
Fred noticed from the internet searches that when people search for Eclipse or older names, they become informed about the automaker’s new cars.
Mitsubishi also resurrected another name from the golden days when it revealed the e-Evolution concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. e-Evolution was the name for the high-performing electric SUV concept.
Ford F-150 Lightning
Lastly, it’s the return of the Lightning name that is given to an electric 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. This is a full-size pickup truck and previously, it was the epitome of performance. Developed by the automaker’s old SVT team, it was first sold from 1993 to 1995 and then from 1999 to 2004.
The highlights of Lightning were active dynamics and a large gas engine. For the skeptics of this future truck, they should know that the electric F-150 Lightning can generate 563 ponies and 775-pound feet of torque. It flashes to 60 mph in only 4.4 seconds and even puts the F-150 Raptor to shame.
