Austral, Rafale, and now Symbioz. An original model calls for an equally original name. The name given to Renault’s new compact, family SUV – to be unveiled in spring 2024 – was not plucked out of thin air. It is rather quite meaningful and symbolic.
“The name Symbioz is very interesting from an etymological point of view,” says SYLVIA DOS SANTOS, Head of Naming Strategy at the Renault Global Marketing Department. It is inspired by the word ‘symbiosis’, which itself comes from ancient Greek. A noun derived from the prefix syn-, for ‘together’ or ‘with’, and -bios, for ‘life’; it means ‘living together’.
This etymology is rich in meaning: ‘being together’ is ‘life’, and life is found in being together.
In science, the word ‘symbiosis’ refers to an association between two living organisms that depend on each other to survive.
The figurative meaning is equally interesting: it evokes humanity, living in a society, and, by extension, family.
“Life and togetherness are two values deeply rooted in Renault’s DNA, with cars for living,” explains Sylvia. ‘Togetherness’, ‘life’, ‘family’ – these notions revolve around people and, in a broader sense, the bonding force that unites them all. ‘Symbioz’ is therefore a particularly apt name to give a Renault family SUV that boast generous spaciousness and large storage space.
“The name also draws on our French roots, because ‘Symbioz’ is a clear nod to the French word 'symbiose’. Its pronunciation is very similar across multiple languages, meaning many people around the world can readily recognise the name ‘Symbioz’,” adds Sylvia.
Renault Symbioz - what the name means