Detroit — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will change its name to "Stellantis" after the merger with Peugeot S.A. is complete next year, the companies announced last week.

This is a "major step" as the automakers move toward completing their 50:50 marriage outlined in a Dec. 18, 2019, agreement, according to a news release from FCA. Everything is expected to be finalized in early 2021.

The name, with roots in the Latin verb 'stello,' meaning 'to brighten with stars,' " is inspired by "this new and ambitious alignment of storied automotive brands and strong company cultures that in coming together are creating one of the new leaders in the next era of mobility ... "

The name's Latin origins pay tribute to the rich history of its founding companies while the evocation of astronomy captures the true spirit of optimism, energy and renewal driving this industry-changing merger, FCA said.

John McElroy, a longtime industry observer and host of "Autoline After Hours," said, "Thank goodness FCA and PSA didn't make their new name a mouthful of letters. Stellantis rolls off the tongue rather nicely. No doubt the Twitter trolls will savage the name, but a year from now no one will even remember that anyone objected to it."

Both companies worked together to find a new name while working with Publicis Group and will be used as a corporate brand. Soon the company will unveil its new logo.

However, the names and the logos of the individual brands will remain unchanged. The merger is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2021 if they win shareholder approval.

Another component of "Stellantis" is "Stellans," which means "starry" or "having the appearance of stars" or "adored with stars."

Eric Noble, president of the CarLab design consulting firm in Orange, Calif., said, "The consumer cares about the brands and the models that they know and are loyal to. As long as Jeep, Ram and Dodge remain unchanged in all of this, the American consumer will never even notice. Jeep can do no wrong right now. Ram is on fire in the truck world, basically having eclipsed GM. Dodge continues to be a super strong nameplate as well."

He addeed, "No one cared when it went from Daimler-Chrysler to FCA. So, next question?"