29.07.2003  RENAULT LAUNCH COMPLAINT OVER THE NAME OF FIAT'S NEW SUPERMINI THE GINGO

The Fiat Gingo, due to be officially launched in Lisbon in early September, is currently at the centre of a row over its name. French carmaker Renault are unhappy with the similarities between Fiat's new supermini's Gingo name, and their own small car, the Twingo.

Renault have been pushing hard for Fiat to drop the Gingo tag and have recently made a formal complaint which could now be followed by legal action. Fiat believe that they have a strong case and are expected to hold fast with the Gingo tag. However they are investigating rebranding the car as the Panda, building on the name of the successful 1980's mini car, with the use of an additional tag, a number or adjective, to give a distinctly new feel. 

There has been a swell of opinion pushing for the Panda name, but with the Gingo larger and more opulent than the Panda, Fiat are concerned that potential buyers may believe they are getting the same car at an increased price. However 'Nuovo Panda' would go some way to addressing these issues.
 
the Fiat Gingo received its world Premiere at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year
related articles:

09.03.2003  FIAT GINGO IMPRESSES ONLOOKERS AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW PREMIERE
22.02.2003  FIAT RELEASE FIRST OFFICIAL PHOTOS AND DETAILS OF THE NEW "MINI" CAR AHEAD OF GENEVA PREMIERE