Automakers can be in a tight spot when trying to select a name for their
next big thing. After all, get it wrong and the vehicle – no matter how good it is – can be set up for failure. It’s a wonder the little Gremlin ever got out of the gate. This also helps to explain the depressing popularity of alphanumeric monikers.
Unsurprisingly, place names join animals and mythic gods as some of the auto kingdom’s most popular sources for inspiration.
There is literally an entire planet of names from which to choose, though your author is reasonably certain his home province isn’t a leading contender of name supply; there’s little chance automotive marketers will be selecting the neighbouring towns of Dildo Run and Virgin Arm (that pairing is 100-per-cent true — we’d tell you to look it up but Google searching those terms will likely supply you with a lifetime of horrible targeted ads).