Chinese automakers are entering France with diverse naming conventions that confuse consumers. Brands like BYD and Leapmotor use unique systems to denote vehicle types and technologies.
Chinese automakers enter French market
A recent surge of Chinese automakers has entered the French market, bringing with them a variety of naming conventions that can be confusing for fleet managers and consumers. Brands such as Omoda, Jaecoo, Geely, Denza, Zeekr, Chery, and XPeng have introduced models with names that often include letters, numbers, and suffixes, making it challenging to discern the vehicle's characteristics at a glance.BYD’s marine-themed naming
BYD, one of the leading Chinese automakers, uses a naming strategy that draws from the marine world for its Ocean Series, including models like the Dolphin, Seal, and Sealion 5 and 7. The suffix "DM-i" denotes BYD's rechargeable hybrid technology, seen in models like the Shark. For export models, BYD uses the name "Atto," inspired by the attosecond, a unit of time, to simplify its international range.Leapmotor’s alphanumeric system
Leapmotor follows a more systematic approach with alphanumeric combinations such as B10, B05, and C10, where the letter indicates the technical platform or generation, and the number denotes the vehicle type. The T03 refers to Leapmotor's historical T series for urban vehicles, while the D series includes large sedans and SUVs.Lynk & Co’s numbered models
Lynk & Co uses a simpler system, naming models by numbers in chronological order of their presentation. The 01, 02, and 08 are currently available in France, with the numbers indicating the model's order rather than its size or type.Omoda and Jaecoo’s branding
Omoda and Jaecoo use numbers to denote model size, with the Omoda 5 being smaller than the Omoda 7. Omoda's name combines "O" for oxygen and "Moda" for fashion, positioning the brand as a "tech and lifestyle" brand. Jaecoo combines "Jaeger" (German for hunter) and "cool," emphasizing an "elegant and outdoor" brand image.Chery’s Tiggo lineup
Chery, which entered the French market on September 1, 2026, uses the name "Tiggo" for its SUVs and crossovers, with larger numbers indicating larger vehicles. The Tiggo 4, 7, and 8 are currently available in France.Denza’s classification system
Denza, a high-end branch of BYD, uses the letters in its name to classify vehicle families. The "D" denotes large MPVs like the D9, while the "N" refers to SUVs and the "Z" to sedans and sporty models. The "E" and "A" are intended for future models.XPeng’s naming complexity
XPeng uses the first letter to denote vehicle type, with "G" for SUVs and "P" for sedans. The Mona sub-range, named after Mona Lisa, adds complexity with "M" for sedans and "L" for SUVs. Numbers following the letter distinguish models and their positioning in the range.Zeekr’s evolving strategy
Zeekr evolved its naming strategy from three-digit names to a combination of numbers and letters. The "X" denotes SUVs and crossovers, while "GT" refers to dynamic models. The "7" and "9" denote intermediate and high-end models, respectively.Geely’s electric focus
Geely uses the letter "E" for 100% electric vehicles, with odd numbers for SUVs and even numbers for sedans and city cars. The "Star" family with the suffix "EM-i" denotes rechargeable hybrids. The Monjaro EM-i, for example, is a tribute to Mount Kilimanjaro, simplifying the international name from its domestic counterpart, Geely Xingyue L.
