Coronavirus pushes Mini to rename its EV’s funky wheels

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Some car names have had unfortunate meanings.   David Brown reports that the Electric mini appears to have run into a modern naming problem

In the past Chevrolet called one of its cars the Nova which unfortunately means “doesn’t work” in Spanish.

Volkswagen Jetta can sound like ietta which means a “Streak of bad luck” in Italian

Audi’s TT Coupe, said quickly sounds like the French word for a severed head.

Fiat’s uno, means one in Italian, but fool in Finish.

Now a report from InsideEVs said that Mini were about to release a model with new asymmetric designed wheels  based on the three pronged UK power plug.

They will now call it the Power Spoke rather than their original choice “Corona Spoke”.  Apparently, Corona is a long standing electrical term that now has an altogether different association.

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About Rob Fraser 2475 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.