Moncrieff Moncrieff

Rolls Royce connection to the spirit world

Sep 25, 2026 · 7m

Summary

Paddy Cumhen from Dundeel Cars joins Moncrieff to explore the etymology behind car names, revealing that brands like Volkswagen use wind names while Mazda references Zoroastrian gods. The discussion covers how manufacturers often choose names for market appeal, such as Ford's "Fiesta" and Renault's "Clio," while also highlighting the awkward moments when names translate poorly, like the Mitsubishi Pajero or Toyota MR2.

Topics discussed

Introduction: Why car names have spiritual connections Rolls-Royce names and references to mortality Volkswagen models named after winds Mazda's Zoroastrian roots and founder's name Citroen, Alfa Romeo, and Renault mythological names Ford model names: Mondeo, Fiesta, and Focus Invented names and Spanish geography references Listener comments on Mada and Tesla naming Awkward translations: Pajero, Nova, and Mister 2 Honda Jazz naming controversy and sign-off Listener questions on Renault Le Car and Touareg Closing remarks and show sign-off
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