American Automakers are always changing their model names, WHY?

Question

Only American Automakers such as GM, Ford, and Chrysler are changing their model names when they redesign, its almost frequently. Then you have toyota and nissan whom hardly ever change their models names, but refer to the new makeovers as Generations such as a 93 Camry is refered to as a Gen 2 Camry. Its not really helping sales for the Americans....

Answer 1

True and this is a marketing function. As you probably know, Japenese cars are outselling American cars and Toyota is expected to take over the number 1 spot soon. Since the late 70's the Japenese have been able to build affordable, effecient and good quality small and medium sized cars. The competition has been so intense ever since then and for so many reasons American car markers have been steadily losing market share.

The marketers of Japenese firms have been very consistent, once a car is succesful and well established, they maintained the brand name. On the other side American car markers have had to cope with the failures, once a model is not succeful or does not sell well, they go back to the drawing board and start a new model. From a marketing perspective, it is much easier to launch a new car instead of re-building the image and reputation of a car that was not succesful. That is why they keep coming up with new models every year with new names. The problem is that most American brands keep losing to the Japenese cars and so they keep doing it over and over again.

Answer 2

It's very simple. Cars that are successful usually carry the same name into the next redesign. The Camry is the best selling car in America. Before that the Ford Taurus was the best selling car, which is why Ford kept that name for so long. Now the Fusion has replaced that, however I think the Fusion is inferior in every way to the Camry.

F-150 is the best selling truck in America.

Civic is the best selling compact car in America.

As for cars that have had name changes:

Chevy Cavalier = Chevy Cobalt. The Cavalier was a dud, Chevy didn't want the Cavalier name to be carried over because of the image the name had.

Pontiac Grand Am = Pontiac G6. GM also knew that the Grand Am was a subpar vehicle in every way and wanted to differentiate the G6 form the Grand Am.

Toyota Echo = Toyota Yaris. Actually the Echo was called the Yaris in Europe and Japan. However many in the US thought the Echo was a poor offering from Toyota. So along with the redisign comes the new name and the Yaris is so far a sales hit.

Answer 3

Because they are poor at marketing. How can tou gain trust in your vars when you keep changing the name.

Answer 4

Because there dumb names they give there cars.

Answer 5

Keeps things fresh- and moving.