The GWM Ora Funky Cat was one of the more fun and distinctive Chinese-made cars to be launched in the UK in the past year.
Standing out with its quirky Mini-like styling, the Funky Cat name was also a talking point. However, its parent company Great Wall Motors (GWM) has now announced that the feline-inspired naming strategy will be dropped from the start of 2024 as it looks for ‘long-term success in Europe’.
All European markets are set to drop the ‘Cat’ name from January 2024, though the firm says the UK will ‘adopt a phased approach to the implementation’ of the new naming. GWM Ora adds that the models will ‘remain unchanged’ aside from the name change.
“We now move forward into 2024 and beyond with a new global brand strategy and many exciting new products on the horizon.”
GWM Ora launched in the UK in November 2022 with the Funky Cat, which offered a range of up to 193 miles from its 42kWh battery. The firm has recently introduced a ‘First Edition+’ model that packs a larger 63kWh battery that unlocks a range of up to 260 miles.
