If I remember correctly, it was sort of a co-op project. I know the names are different in Japan (Decepticons are Destrons, and Optimus Prime is Convoy). I also think that when they made the movie for the US, Japan sort of ignored it and moved on with the series. I could be wrong about that (all of it), but that's what I've heard.

I think Japan's Beast Wars series' (more than one) were cel animation, unlike the US CGI Beast Wars and Beast Machines. Then the US adapted Japan's Transformers: Car Robots to the More Than Meets the Eye series. I don't know if Armada and Energon are co-ops or dubs.