Wild-Ass Rumor Of The Day: GM Likes "Sonic" Better Than "Aveo"
When we asked TTAC’s Best And Brightest whether Chevy should stick with the “Aveo” nameplate for its new subcompact offering or move in a new direction, only a few seemed to believe that “Aveo” carries much equity at this point. But then, it’s not like Chevy has a lot of small-car “heritage” to draw on… Sprint, Vega, Monza and Citation all have their obvious limitations. The B&B’s debate was typically dynamic, but it seems that this discussion has gone back and forth at the RenCen as well. GMI reports:
GM has struggled with the Aveo’s name for the last two years. According to sources former U.S. marketing chief Mark LaNeve originally wanted to rename the Aveo to “Viva.” Then–following GM’s bankruptcy filing last year–Bob Lutz ordered the Aveo name to stay put…
The lackluster image of the current Aveo has left GM’s new marketing chief, Joel Ewanick, to conclude that the car needs to be renamed. Although GM has not formally announced the new name, GMI sources are stating that GM has signed off on the name “Chevrolet Sonic.”
According to U.S. Trademark records General Motors LLC filed for a trademark on the name “Chevrolet Sonic” on October 5th.
More by Edward Niedermeyer
Comments
Join the conversation
Korean Beer Can
Well, they lost the Saturn line. How's about UrAnus?
Sonic is a drive-in fast food chain. In naming the car, DeLorean said: "Studies were conducted by the division showing one name stood out - Gemini. When pronounced it almost said "G-M-ini. Marketing studies notwithstanding, Ed Cole liked the name Vega and so did top corporate management, who disregarded our test results." Nova isn't bad. "Nomad" is a name Chevy didn't destroy. Same with "Corsa". Whoops: http://cars.about.com/od/detoursanddiversions/ig/American-world-cars/Chevrolet-Corsa-Chevy.htm Chevy already has the big Suburban, so how 'bout Chevy "Urban"? Or "X-Urban"?
Apparently neither SEGA nor even SONIC Corp. have the standing to put a stop to this. Shades of DEC vs. Bissell.