Nine Car Companies That Are Not Named After Their Founders

Many car companies are named after their founders, providing a clear link to their origins and history. However, there are numerous car brands that break this traditional naming pattern. Here, we explore nine notable car companies that are not named after their founders.

1. Proton and Perodua (Malaysia)

Proton and Perodua are not named after their founders but are acronyms in the Malay language. Proton stands for Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional (National Automobile Company), while Perodua stands for Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua (Second Automobile Company).

2. Volkswagen (Germany)

Volkswagen is not named after a person but comes from the German words Volk (people) and Wagen (vehicle), thus “the people's vehicle.” The company name does not reflect the founder's name, much to the surprise of some enthusiasts.

3. Perhigher European Car Brands

European Cars Unveiled

Let’s delve into some prominent European car brands and their intriguing naming conventions:

Volkswagen Group

Volkswagen’s names like Audi (from Latin “he goes,” referring to brisk walking), Porsche (from the founder’s birth surname), and Lamborghini (from the founder’s northern Italian family name), among others, are all derived from non-personal origins.

PSA Group

The PSA Group is known for its diverse brands such as Peugeot (a French agate), Citro?n (a rare flower in France), DS (Déesse in French, meaning “goddess), and Vauxhall (a village in England). No founders here to be named.

Renault Group

Renault, Dacia, Infiniti, and other brands demonstrate that in many cases, the founders’ names are absent. Instead, the names often evoke regions, traditions, or exotic locales (e.g., the Dacia brand name deriving from the Latin “place of the

Daimler

Daimler cars include names like Mercedes-Benz (inspired by the wife of Gottlieb Daimler, not the man himself) and Maybach (a brand name, not a personal name).

BMW Group

BMW’s lineup of Cars features some surprises: Rolls-Royce (from the founder’s name, but not BMW itself), and Mini (a brand name, not an individual’s name).

FCA Group

Fiat, Lancia, Abarth, and other brands represent rich yet non-personal histories. Brands like Chrysler (named after the founder, but not related to FCA), RAM (a brand name), and Alfa Romeo (another brand name).

Jaguar Land Rover

The brands Jaguar and Land Rover were established with no direct links to individual founders, making them purely brand-centric.

Volvo

Volvo derives its name from the Latin word “volvere,” meaning “to turn” or “to roll.” It’s a name reflecting the essence of its founder's vision for a safe and reliable automobile.

Beyond the European Brand Names

Non-European Car Companies Explained

Other notable car companies from around the world also fall into the category of non-personal names:

SAAB (Sweden) - Svenska Aero Aktiebolaget, or Saab, is Swedish for “Swedish Aero Inc.” It was a powerhouse in the aviation and automobile industries, with its name highlighting its commitment to aeronautical innovation.

Volvo (Sweden) - Volvos name comes from the Latin word "volvere," meaning "roll" or "revolve."

GMC (USA) - General Motors Corporation, GMC stands for “General Motors Corporation Models,” a clear reflection of the organization behind its development.

Jeep (USA) - Interestingly, Jeep does not create its own brand but draws its name from the military designation for “General Purpose” (GP) vehicles.

Nissan (Japan) - Nissan is a shortened form of Nihon Sangyo, meaning “Nihon’s Industry.”

Huayra (Korea) - Huayra means “modernity” or “the modern” in Korean, reflecting its status as a modern and innovative car model.

Mazda (Japan) - Originally named after a Persian god, Mazda also takes its name from the family name of its founder, Matsuda, providing a unique blend of historical and personal elements.

Conclusion

Beyond the obvious names like Ford, Toyota, or Mercedes, the world of car brands is full of surprising and often fascinating names that don’t reference their founders at all. These names often have rich histories and cultural significance, making them an integral part of the car-making industry's heritage.