And Binguo was its name, oh . . .

I have often smiled at Asian automakers’ attempts to create “English-sounding” names for their vehicles. Who wouldn’t grin to see the Suzuki Every Joypop or the Isuzu Giga Light Dump?

The Japanese, however, have been nudged aside by the Chinese when it comes to christening cars. In a previous column, I mentioned two recent favorites: Great Wall’s Coolbear and Funky Cat (and somehow overlooked the equally delightful Haval Big Dog).

But wait, there’s more . . .

Tiny Chinese automaker Wuling, which is partnered with General Motors and SAIC, so far has been known for building one of the world’s least expensive electric cars, the tiny Hongguang Mini, which initially hit the Chinese market in mid-2020, priced from just over $4,000. The little Hongguang quickly spawned a raft of competitors, including the delightfully named Chery QQ Ice Cream.

Car names, of course, have a funny way of evolving, especially when they’re repackaged and occasionally rebranded for foreign consumption. A version of the Hongguang that’s assembled in Lithuania, for instance, is dubbed Freze Nikrob, which Google Translate tells me is Lithuanian for “milling machine.” Go figure.

Wuling also has added several variants of the Hongguang in China, notably the Mini EV Macaron — which can be ordered in Avocado Green, Lemon Yellow or White Peach Pink — and the Mini EV GameBoy Edition.

Now, Wuling and its Chinese partners are moving rapidly upscale, with a cute EV priced from under $8,000 and simply christened Binguo — or Bingo in its westernized form.

Slightly larger than its Hongguang Mini sibling, the Binguo looks like it could be the inspiration for the long-awaited Tesla Model 2. In China, it comes with a choice of 30kW or 50kW motors, as well as battery packs that enable a driving range of up to 200 miles between charges.

Last year, its first on the Chinese market, the Binguo was snapped up by nearly 170,000 customers, according to car.yiche.com.

Retro styling. Simple name. Attractive pricing. Did Wuling hit the target again?

I’d say . . . Bingo!