Minding the Qs and QXs: Infiniti changes its car names for 2014

Infiniti recently announced that it was changing its "nomenclature philosophy," and with that pronouncement, all cars going forward will be named Q and SUVs will be named QX. And no, this isn't April first.

For more than a decade, there has been a trend to shift car names to alphanumeric designations, thereby creating inoffensive names that can be used worldwide. By mirroring long-held German traditions, with a simple letter denoting the vehicle and number for the powertrain, automakers could avoid missteps like the Chevrolet Nova. Or odd creations like the Volkswagen Tiguan.

But this move goes a bit further. Infiniti is breaking from this convention to label all cars "Q" and all SUVs "QX," distinguished just by a two-digit number to signal hierarchy.

With this move, Infiniti is scuttling the model recognition in its current models. The shame is, some models, such as the G37 sports sedan, have a great reputation. But going forward, shoppers will struggle to determine which Q they are researching or test driving.