[Vwdiesel] Rabbit droppings # 9 from Hagar. ( whats in a name ??? )

[Drew MacPherson]

Rabbit was a name chosen for the North American market because initial
market research suggested that Golf (the name used in Europe) wouldn't fly
in NA.  The idea behind the Rabbit name was that it implied
characteristics like "light, nimble, and fun."  The fact that the car was
spacious and economical was an added bonus.  And thus the A1 Golf became
the Rabbit in North America.

When the A2 Golf was developed, VW decided that the North American market
had matured sufficiently that they didn't need to continue with the cute,
bunny name (after 30+ years of "Bugs" and "Rabbits" we finally grew up...)

As far as the origin of the Golf name, the generally accepted school of
thought is that most VW names are derived from things that move - air
streams, ocean currents, winds etc.  The Golf's name is thought to be
derived from the Gulf Stream, the Jetta from the Jet stream etc.  No doubt
VW's names were chosen by a group of well lubricated marketting execs in
the cafeteria at the Wolfsburg facility... :)

WV can be prided for not messing with things that work, however.  The
highly successful Golf has carried its name from 1974 through 2003,
through 4 platform changes (with a 5th on the boards.)  The Jetta moniker,
on the other hand, has only held on in North America.  On the European
market, the Jetta was renamed with the introduction of the A3 to Vento
(wind this time!) in an effort to boost sagging sales.  When the A4 rolled
around, it became the Bora (hello, what were they thinking??)  The reality
is that the lightweight, compact Golf hatch is a practical, roomy small
car suited to Europe's tight urban roads.  The Jetta has never been as
popular because of its size and relative lack of functionality (huge
trunk, but no hatch...)

Drew

On Wed, 19 Feb 2003, H .Hagar wrote:

>  Does anyone know where the name RABBIT came from ??. And now GOLF? the
> name does not do a thing for me. good gracious me ---LOL.  The dealer I
> asked know jack all about Beetles, Rabbits or anything else.Just wants
> me to buy a 30000 dollar canadian Golf. Hagar. --
>
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