diff --git a/odoo/models.py b/odoo/models.py
index f58ed393eb2..802a97d0304 100644
--- a/odoo/models.py
+++ b/odoo/models.py
@@ -895,7 +895,7 @@ class BaseModel(object):
                 # avoid broken transaction) and keep going
                 cr.execute('ROLLBACK TO SAVEPOINT model_load_save')
             except Exception as e:
-                message = (_('Unknown error during import:') + ' %s: %s' % (type(e), unicode(e)))
+                message = (_('Unknown error during import:') + ' %s: %s' % (type(e), unicode(e.message or e.name)))
                 moreinfo = _('Resolve other errors first')
                 messages.append(dict(info, type='error', message=message, moreinfo=moreinfo))
                 # Failed for some reason, perhaps due to invalid data supplied,