• 42% of dealers say reviving old model names is a good idea, following the launch of Ford’s new Capri
• However, 39% think that the Capri name should be saved for a sports car and 21% that the name won’t influence buyers
• 16% of dealers in the new Startline Used Car Tracker also don’t remember the original Capri name

October’s new Startline Used Car Tracker shows that 32% think that bringing back the Capri means that buyers will take a closer look at the new SUV that bears the name.

However, 39% think that the Capri name should be saved for a future sports car and 21% that the badge won’t influence buyers. Additionally, 16% of dealers don’t remember the original Capri name and 16% believe it means nothing to buyers.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “There are some old cars that people have very fond feelings about and the Capri is certainly one of those, so Ford’s decision to bring back the name for a modern electric SUV is an interesting one and has aroused at least a little controversy among some in the motor industry.

“We thought it would be interesting to ask dealers what they thought of the idea and there is a sizeable amount of support with a substantial number thinking that it’ll help the new model – although many believe that the name should be saved for a sports car that has more in common with the original.

“The fact that 16% of dealers don’t appear to have heard of the Capri probably makes some of us feel a little old but despite the affection in which the model is held by many, this is a model that went out of production almost four decades ago.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 300 consumers and 62 dealers were questioned.