Indian Cars That Were Renamed For International Markets — Some May Surprise You!

Here is the list of cars that were or being sold with a different name abroad.

Published: Friday, November 24, 2017, 19:24 [IST]

India is fast becoming one of the largest automobile industry in the world. The Make-in-India initiative has prompted many car manufacturers around the globe to invest in the country.

While the cars are manufactured in India, to suit the sensibilities of the target country, car makers name their cars their differently. Also, there are instances where the name already exists, and car makers launch cars with a different name in other countries or vice versa.

Here are some of the Indian cars sold with different names abroad.

1. Honda Jazz (Fit)

Honda sells its premium hatchback in India and goes by the name Jazz in India. However, the company has a different name while retailing it in Japan and Americas as Fit. The Honda Fit is essentially the Jazz but named differently.

Indian Cars Sold Under Different Names Abroad

2. Hyundai Verna (Accent)

While Hyundai did sell the Accent in India, for the customers outside of India, the Accent is essentially the Verna that we Indians have known the sedan until now. The Hyundai Accent or the Verna is sold in countries such as Canada and the Americas.

3. Hyundai Santro (Atos Prime/Amica)

The car that propelled Hyundai to become one of its best-selling car in India was based on the Hyundai Atos but was launched in India as the Santro. Hyundai, in fact, recent reports suggest that the South Korean carmaker is bringing back the name to India after it was discontinued in 2015.

4. Ford Figo (KA+)

American car manufacturer Ford developed the Figo for the Indian market and exports the hatchback to other emerging markets such as South Africa and Brazil. The export model of the Ford Figo is known as KA+ in other countries. Ford's most significant export model from India is the Figo or the KA+.

5. Maruti S-Cross (Suzuki SX4)

Maruti SX4 reminds us of the sedan that was on sale in India; this was then replaced with the Ciaz in India. However, the SX4 platform continues to bear the name in other countries. This SX4 is the Maruti S-Cross sold in India. The S-Cross continues to be sold as Suzuki SX4 in Europe and other countries.

6. Skoda Laura (Octavia)

The Skoda Laura is the second-generation Octavia. The Czech carmaker first launched the first-generation Skoda Octavia in India, and it immediately found popularity for its performance and premium features. While Skoda continues to sell the second-generation model as Octavia in other countries, the sedan was sold as Laura in India. Now, the company has launched next-generation sedan, but has named it as the Octavia and not as the Laura.

7. Maruti A-Star (Alto)

Maruti A-Star was launched after the Alto hatchback in India. Hence, the company wanted to differentiate the hatchbacks with different names. The Maruti A-Star continues to be sold as Alto in other markets. Maruti has discontinued the A-Star in India as the Alto continues to bring massive sales for the company.

8. Maruti Esteem (Suzuki Cultus)

In India, the name of the car makes a huge difference while choosing to buy a car. Maruti Suzuki decided to sell its first sedan as the Maruti 1000, which was later known as the Esteem. However, for other countries, the Esteem was known as the Suzuki Cultus although it is a hatchback rather than a sedan.

9. Ford Endeavour (Everest)

Have you heard of Everest Masala? Well, Ford could not use 'Everest' in India due to infringement of the brand. So, Ford decided to sell the SUV as Endeavour for the Indian market. Though Ford Everest is an excellent name for an SUV, the Endeavour moniker no less.

10. Mahindra Reva (G-Wiz)

The Mahindra Reva is India's first electric car and has evolved to be known as the E2o Plus presently. Mahindra decided to sell the small or mini electric car to other countries and was known as the G-Wiz in the UK.

DriveSpark Thinks!

The name of the car is essential in selling it different geographies and countries as it has suited the sensibilities and preferences of the concerned market. While some of the cars mentioned above went on to become a success in other countries, it did not perform well in India and vice versa.