The automotive industry is much more cunning than it seems at first glance. Behind the громкими names and shiny logos sometimes hide cars that differ from each other only in external decoration. Platform, body, engine — everything is the same, and brands sometimes act only as "masks."
This is not about Chinese copies — it's about perfectly legitimate and historically justified alliances of major manufacturers. Below are the most curious examples of how one car can live under different names.
Volkswagen Up / Seat Mii / Skoda Citigo (2011)
The Volkswagen Group has long mastered the art of replicating platforms. The line of city малышей — Up, Mii and Citigo — has become the standard of such a strategy: three almost identical hatchbacks, differing in шильдиками and small details of design.
These compact cars quickly conquered European cities with their simplicity and economy, although they never made it across the ocean. In fact, the buyer chose not a car, but a brand that was more sympathetic.
Suzuki Swift and its army of "alter egos" (1988)
The second generation Swift is a world record holder for the number of names. It was sold under dozens of brands around the world.
In Canada, it was known as the Chevrolet Sprint or Pontiac Firefly, in the USA — Geo Metro, in Europe — Subaru Justy, in Australia — Holden Barina, and in India — Maruti Suzuki 1000.
Simple design and low cost made it a real "long-liver" — in some countries it lived until the 2010s. An example of how one successful car can spread around the world, changing only emblems.
Toyota IQ / Aston Martin Cygnet (2011)
Perhaps the most surreal duo: the miniature Toyota IQ became the basis for the luxury Aston Martin Cygnet.
The reason is simple: European emission standards put pressure on the brand, and the company needed a super-economical car in the lineup. This is how a handmade leather interior, new body panels and a price at the level of a used sports car appeared.
The public did not appreciate the experiment — instead of the planned 2000 cars, only 786 were sold. However, one enthusiast later installed a V8 engine in the Cygnet, creating the craziest city car of the era.
Land Rover Discovery / Honda Crossroad (1993)
In the early 90s, Honda desperately needed a large SUV — there was no own. Land Rover found a simple solution: it sold the Japanese a license for Discovery.
This is how the Honda Crossroad appeared — in fact, a clone of the British SUV, and the only Honda equipped with a V8. Later, the company revived the name Crossroad, but already for a completely different car, putting an end to this brief but bright collaboration.
Saab 9-2X / Subaru Impreza (2005)
When GM controlled Saab and had a stake in Subaru, the world was waiting for something original. But the result was the Saab 9-2X — in fact, a Subaru Impreza with a Swedish accent.
New headlights, grille and interior trim — all that distinguished the novelty from the original. Buyers did not understand the idea: Saab fans did not accept the Japanese base, and Subaru fans did not accept the increased price tag. Sales were modest, but today the 9-2X has already become a collectible curiosity.
Renault Captur / Mitsubishi ASX (2023)
Inside the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi alliance, it was decided not to spend resources on the new ASX. Instead of developing from scratch, Mitsubishi simply took the Renault Captur and нанесесла its own emblems.
The changes are minimal: design and some details. Technically, it is the same car. For Mitsubishi, this move was a chance to stay in Europe without excessive costs.
Chevrolet Captiva Sport / Opel Antara and others (2006)
General Motors has always been able to turn one car into many regional models.
This crossover was sold under the names Holden Captiva, Vauxhall Antara, Opel Antara, Saturn Vue, and Daewoo Winstorm MaXX. The platform is the same, but there are trade names for every market. Classic global marketing without unnecessary expenses.
Daewoo Lanos / ZAZ Lanos (1997)
Created by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Lanos became so popular that its production was licensed in various countries.
In some regions, it was sold as Chevrolet. The simplicity of the design, low maintenance costs, and durability made it a people's car, and in some countries, it was produced for almost twenty years.
The world of automobiles is not only a race of technologies but also a subtle game of strategies. Different logos do not guarantee a unique design at all. Often, the same car is hidden under a familiar body, simply adapted to the needs of the brand or market.
And if one day you see a "new product" suspiciously similar to another model, it may just be another example of the skillful disguise of the global auto industry.