The quirkily-named Ora Funky Cat is to be renamed after a trademark spat within the UK prompted what its maker Nice Wall Motor (GWM) is looking a strategic change in model course.

GWM mentioned it will undertake a phased strategy to its new model technique within the UK, initially by launching a brand new naming conference for GWM ORA automobiles throughout the Chinese language producer’s European markets.

“This replace additionally coincides with an amicable settlement of an opposition to the registration of the ‘Funky Cat’ trademark within the UK market,” it mentioned.

GWM ORA’s launch mannequin, ORA Funky Cat, can be often called ‘ORA 03’ from 2024, with future fashions adopting this similar strategy.

The ‘Subsequent Cat’ premium saloon mannequin which would be the second mannequin to be launched subsequent yr will due to this fact be often called the ‘ORA 07’.

Toby Marshall, managing director, GWM ORA UK, mentioned: “This newest band technique replace affirms GWM’s dedication to the European area and the UK market particularly, the place ORA Funky Cat has made an actual assertion already. We now transfer ahead into 2024 and past with a brand new international model technique and plenty of thrilling new merchandise on the horizon.”

GWM ORA mentioned its numerical naming conference is already utilized in markets like South Africa, Australia, Singapore and the Philippines, with all European markets to undertake this strategy from January.

“This versatile and simplified naming technique has been designed to transcend demographical bias, with scope to introduce many new and thrilling GWM ORA merchandise that may enchantment to a large ranging viewers,” it mentioned.

Bodily, GWM ORA fashions will stay unchanged and the brand new naming conference will solely be mirrored within the model’s advertising and communications. Presently there are two fashions on sale within the UK, ORA Funky Cat First Version and the newly launched First Version+ with an MSRP of £33,795.