LEGENDARY German sports car maker Porsche has turned to the Indonesian language in its quest for a name for its forthcoming new SUV and come up with Macan, derived from the Indonesian word for tiger.

Production of the new all-terrain car is due to start next year and Bernhard Maier, the company's executive vice president of sales and marketing explains: "The name of a new Porsche has to fit with the brand, sound good in very many languages and dialects and evoke positive associations."

"The Macan combines all sports car characteristics with the benefits of an SUV and is a genuine Porsche," he adds.