Why was Camry renamed from Jiaming?
6 Answers
Camry was renamed from Jiaming because, after its domestic production in China, Guangzhou Toyota hoped that the new name would help establish a completely new image. Through this upgrade, the product could undergo a 'metamorphosis' in all aspects. Additionally, as a global model, CAMRY's name was transliterated to emphasize its global synchronization concept. Below is some expanded information about the Camry: 1. The new Camry has dimensions of 1455MM × 4900MM × 1840MM, and its trunk offers a large capacity, meeting the travel and cargo needs of average families. 2. In terms of power, the Camry provides three options: 2.0L, 2.5L, and 2.5L hybrid, paired with a CVT transmission. The 2.0L version delivers a maximum horsepower of 178 and a peak torque of 210 Nm. 3. The 2.5L hybrid version is equipped with advanced dual-engine technology, offering not only strong performance but also setting benchmarks in ultra-quiet operation and ultra-low fuel consumption among its peers.
I remember driving a Camry many years ago, which was the imported version. It felt very durable and gave a sense of prestige on the road. Later, I heard it was renamed to Camry, mainly because Toyota established a joint venture factory in China in 2006 and began producing the car locally. To unify the global brand name, it was directly called Camry. The old name 'Jiamai' sounded a bit outdated and lacked a punchy pronunciation, while the new name Camry is more fashionable and international, making it more appealing to younger consumers. I later upgraded to the new Camry, and while the quality remained the same, the name sounded more modern, enhancing the brand image and boosting sales. Some old car enthusiasts miss the old name, but overall, the rebranding was a step forward, adapting to the local market. Looking back now, the decision was wise—after all, in the automotive market, name updates are common, and staying competitive means keeping up with trends.
I'm particularly fond of studying automotive history. The Camry has always been known as the Camry abroad, but when it was first imported into China, it was called the 'Jiaming,' which was a transliteration. In 2006, after Toyota established a joint venture with GAC, they decided to produce the Camry domestically and simultaneously renamed it to 'Camry' to unify its global identity and avoid the old name appearing outdated. The renaming wasn't just a word game but a market strategy: highlighting the advantages of local production to attract more buyers and enhance brand credibility. Technically, the engines remained just as reliable, but the name change made the car seem more upscale, giving younger buyers a sense of novelty when purchasing. I think this move was very successful—the Camry quickly became a popular model, proving the effectiveness of the renaming. In the future, other cars might undergo similar adjustments.
As a post-95s generation who just started working and bought a Camry, I heard from my parents that it used to be called 'Jiaming' in China. The name 'Jiaming' sounds too retro to me, like a car name from old movies. Renaming it to Camry must be part of Toyota's brand upgrade strategy - unifying the global name to make the product more international and appealing. After being produced in China, the new name also facilitates marketing by avoiding pronunciation ambiguities. I think this change is great - my friends all compliment its fashionable name when I drive it, which enhances the overall experience while maintaining the same great quality. If it hadn't been renamed, I might not have chosen it, as names do affect first impressions.
Reflecting on the development of the Camry in China, it was initially imported under the name 'Jiamei' and used for many years. In 2006, Toyota began local production in collaboration with GAC, and the name was changed to 'Camry.' The purpose was to align with the global brand identity and to give the domestically produced model a fresh start, making it easier to penetrate the market. The old name 'Jiamei' was associated with the era of imported vehicles, while the new name is smoother and more dynamic. After the name change, sales increased significantly, user feedback became more positive, and the resale value stabilized. I believe this is a classic case of an automaker adapting to change, where the name change facilitated brand continuity.
From a market perspective, Toyota's renaming of Camry from 'Jiamai' to 'Kairui' achieved a win-win for localization and globalization. The imported version used the transliterated name 'Jiamai,' while the domestically produced model adopted a new name more aligned with Chinese linguistic preferences—pleasing to the ear and modern, while unifying the global Camry branding. This move not only elevated the brand image but also expanded Toyota's market share in China, appealing to younger demographics and eliminating potential negative associations with the old name. User surveys showed widespread approval for the new name, accompanied by a significant sales surge, validating the strategy. Though a minor change, its impact was profound, solidifying the Camry as a reliable choice.
