(Chevy) Nova --Query

[Cohen, Gerald Leonard]

Is the story about the Nova being interpreted in Latin America as "no va" (doesn't go) and having terrible sales as a result merely a myth?  A colleague at my campus sent me the message below (with accompanying website) to the effect that it *is* a myth. Would any ads-l members know anything about this?

Gerald Cohen

> ----------
> From:         Gentry, Lance
> Sent:         Thursday, May 5, 2005 3:55 PM
> To:   Cohen, Gerald Leonard
> Subject:      Chevy Nova
>
> Gerald,
> Your word column is one of the few things in the Missouri Miner I read on a regular basis.  I find word origins very interesting and appreciate your sharing your expertise.  Your most recent column on the Chevy Nova overlaps my own area of expertise - marketing.  I thought you'd appreciate some fact on this.
>
> I've bumped into this story about the Chevy Nova many times under various guises.  It is an utter myth with no truth whatsoever.  In fact, I use the story in class as an example of myth; so don't be surprised if some of my students mention this to you.
>
> If you would like to see the details, check out:  http://www.snopes.com/business/misxlate/nova.asp
>
> Best regards,
>
> Lance
>
> ______________________________________
> Lance Gentry
> Assistant Professor of Business Administration
> School of Management and Information Systems
> University of Missouri-Rolla
> 106-B Fulton Hall
> Rolla, MO  65409-0320
> (573) 341-6070        direct
> (573) 341-4184        main office
> (573) 341-4812        fax
>
>