The quirkily-named Ora Funky Cat is to be renamed after a trademark spat within the UK prompted what its maker Great Wall Motor (GWM) is asking a strategic change in model course.
GWM mentioned it could undertake a phased method to its new model technique within the UK, initially by means of launching a brand new naming conference for GWM ORA automobiles throughout the Chinese producer’s European markets.
“This update also coincides with an amicable settlement of an opposition to the registration of the ‘Funky Cat’ trademark in the UK market,” it mentioned.
GWM ORA’s launch mannequin, ORA Funky Cat, can be often known as ‘ORA 03’ from 2024, with future fashions adopting this identical method.
The ‘Next Cat’ premium saloon mannequin which would be the second mannequin to be launched subsequent 12 months will due to this fact be often known as the ‘ORA 07’.
Toby Marshall, managing director, GWM ORA UK, mentioned: “This latest band strategy update affirms GWM’s commitment to the European region and the UK market in particular, where ORA Funky Cat has made a real statement already. We now move forward into 2024 and beyond with a new global brand strategy and many exciting new products on the horizon.”
GWM ORA mentioned its numerical naming conference is already utilized in markets like South Africa, Australia, Singapore and the Philippines, with all European markets to undertake this method from January.
“This flexible and simplified naming strategy has been designed to transcend demographical bias, with scope to introduce many new and exciting GWM ORA products that will appeal to a wide ranging audience,” it mentioned.
Physically, GWM ORA fashions will stay unchanged and the brand new naming conference will solely be mirrored within the model’s advertising and communications. Currently there are two fashions on sale within the UK, ORA Funky Cat First Edition and the newly launched First Edition+ with an MSRP of £33,795.
