The name “Toyota” might seem straightforward, but its origins trace back to a thoughtful decision. Kiichiro Toyoda, the founder, decided to change the family name from Toyoda to Toyota for phonetic reasons. Additionally, the change from 10 to 8 strokes in Japanese characters was considered lucky, symbolising wealth and prosperity.
Mercedes-Benz was named after Mercédès Jellinek, the daughter of Emil Jellinek, a successful Austrian businessman and racing enthusiast.
The name “Subaru” is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. It is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster, depicted in the brand’s logo. This connection signifies the unity of six companies that merged to form Subaru’s parent company.
Beyond the familial association with Henry Ford, the name reflects his commitment to creating a brand that is as accessible as a shallow river crossing. The term “ford” signifies a passage, capturing Ford’s vision of making automobiles accessible to all, bridging the gap between the elite and the common man.
The name “Volkswagen” translates to “People’s Car” in German. The Volkswagen brand was established in the 1930s in Germany under the direction of Adolf Hitler, who wanted to create a car that would be affordable and accessible to the average German citizen.
The name Nissan is a combination of two Japanese words: “ni” (日), meaning “sun,” and “san” (産), meaning “industry.” The name is meant to symbolise the company’s Japanese heritage and its commitment to innovation and progress.