CAR LOGO’S
MEANING AND HISTORY
Audi Logo Meaning and History
Audi
is among the best-selling luxury automobiles in the world. Audi has been a
majority owned subsidiary of Volkswagen Group since 1966. The company name is
based on the surname of the founder, August Horch. “Horch”, meaning “listen” in
German, becomes “Audi” when translated into Latin. The Audi symbol is four
ceiling rings that reflect the four manufacturers of Auto Union. This Audi
emblem signs the association of the brand Audi with others: Horch, DKW,
Wanderer: the initial ring from at the left side represents Audi, the next
represents DKW, the third is Horch, then the fourth ring is Wanderer. The logo
was lately changed in 2009, to celebrate Audi’s 100th birthday. The chrome
color of the Audi logo is bright and slick, which lends it a very modern and
sophisticated touch. Audi's slogan is Vorsprung durch Technik, meaning
"Advancement through Technology".
Audi AG Information
|
Founded
|
July 16, 1909, Zwickau, Germany
|
Founder
|
August Horch
|
Headquarters
|
Ingolstadt, Germany
|
Owner
|
Volkswagen Group
|
Slogan
|
"Vorsprung durch Technik"
|
Official Site
|
|
BMW Logo Meaning and History
BMW
(Bavarian Motor Works) is a German automobile company founded in 1916, it also
owns and produces Mini cars and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. BMW is one of three
best-selling luxury automakers in the world, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
The BMW logo contains a think black circle which is bordered by a smooth silver
outline holding company’s name in a prominent position. The core of the circle
is broke up into four quadrants with national colors of Bavaria – blue and
white. The BMW logo is widely regarded as one of the finest car logos in the
history of graphic design. The BMW logo comprises of three powerful colors;
namely blue, white and black. While the black color stands for the elegance and
excellence of the company, the white represents purity and charm. The blue
color, on the other hand, signifies the strength and reliability of its
products.
BMW
INFORMATION
|
Founded
|
7
March 1916
|
Founder
|
7
March 1916
|
Headquarters
|
Munich,
Bavaria, Germany
|
Slogan
|
"Sheer
Driving Pleasure" (Worldwide)
"The Ultimate Driving Machine" (United States, United Kingdom)
"The Ultimate Driving Experience" (Canada)
"Freude am Fahren" (Germany)
|
Official
Site
|
|
Ferrari Logo Meaning and History
The
famous symbol of Ferrari is a black prancing horse on yellow background,
usually with the letters S F for Scuderia Ferrari. The symbol is crowned with
white, green and red strips that symbolize Italian national colors. Black color
means a grief on Baracca’s team planes after the airman was killed in fighting.
The Ferrari logo uses a handwritten custom typeface. The Ferrari logo is widely
regarded as one of the greatest and most popular car logos ever designed. The
Ferrari logo is a prancing horse (Cavallino Rampante) used since 1932.
Ferrari Information
|
Native
name
|
Ferrari
N.V.
|
Founded
|
1929
|
Founder
|
Enzo
Ferrari
|
Headquarters
|
Maranello,
Italy
|
Products
|
Sports
cars
|
Official
Site
|
|
Most
Classic
|
GTO
(1984-1986)
F40 (1987-1992)
F50 (1995-1997)
FENZO (2002-2003)
FLaFerrari (2013-Present)
|
Top
Speed
|
LaFerrari
350 km/h (220 mph)
100 km/h (62 mph) < 3 seconds
|
Most
Expensive
|
250
GTO
(US$38.1 million)
|
Volkswagen Logo Meaning and History
Volkswagen
is one of the global leaders in automotive industry and the largest European
car manufacturer. The Volkswagen logo comprises of the company’s initials – a “V”
placed over a “W” – and both these letters interact superbly with each other.
The blue color in the Volkswagen logo symbolizes excellence, reliability and
class – whereas the white color depicts nobility, purity and charm. The color
blends and the implied three-dimensionality were introduced to the Volkswagen
logo in 2000. In 1978 another change in occurred as the logo colors were
inverted. The VW letters became white and were placed on blue background. VW
logo during the 1930s, initials surrounded by a stylized cogwheel and swastika
wings. The Volkswagen logo is widely credited as one of the most memorable and
popular logos in history. Volkswagen means “people’s car” in German.
Volkswagen Information
|
Founded
|
1937
|
Founder
|
German
Labour Front (DAF)
|
Headquarters
|
Wolfsburg,
Germany
|
Parent
|
Volkswagen
Group
|
Slogan
|
"Das
Auto."
|
Official
Site
|
|
Mercedes Benz Logo Meaning and History
The
logo comprises of an illustration of a three-pointed star that symbolizes the
company’s “domination of the land, the sea, and the air”. It was first
introduced in 1909. In 1926, after the merging of Benz and Daimler, which
resulted in the inception of a new german automobile brand – Mercedes-Benz, the
actual trademark was finally developed. It is a star of three pikes embosomed
with a bordering with laureate wreath and the brand name on it, which still
designates Mercedes cars. Since then the logo has experienced insignificant
amendments, the bordering of laurel wreath morphed into an unpretentious
circle. The Mercedes logo is an extremely effective corporate logo and due its
striking simplicity, clarity and consistency, it is very easy to remember and recognize.
The most frequent colors that you will see in the Mercedes logo are black and
silver. The silver color depicts sophistication, creativity and perfection,
whereas the black color stands for elegance, integrity and purity. It has now
become one of the world’s most popular, adored and instantly recognizable
logos.
Mercedes-Benz
Information
|
Type
|
Division
|
Founded
|
1926
|
Founder
|
Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler
|
Headquarters
|
Stuttgart, Germany
|
Owner
|
Daimler AG
|
Divisions
|
Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-Maybach
|
Slogan
|
“The Best or Nothing”
|
Official Site
|
|
Top Speed
|
Mercedes-AMG GT3 (2016)
332 km/h (206 mph)
|
Most Expensive
|
1954 Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 racecar
($29.6 million)
|
Toyota Logo Meaning and History
Toyota is one of the largest Japanese
car companies in the world and the leader in automotive industry. Its logo is
one of the most recognizable global emblems and is associated with exceptional
reliability, innovation and great value. Yet, the famous oval logo was only
introduced in 1989.
The first emblem that appeared on
Toyota cars in 1936 was the last name of the founder, Kiichiro Toyoda, in red
letters, embedded into what seemed to be a diamond figure. Ten years later it
was replaced with the ‘Toyoda’ word, spelled in Japanese, in a red circle. This
sign remained active in domestic market through 1989. However, with the
company’s expansion to foreign markets and North America in particular Toyota
was looking for a universal logo to consolidate the brand image.
From 1958 a simple ‘Toyota’ sign was
placed on the cars sold around the world. It only went through minor changes
before the launch of a universal ellipse-shaped emblem we all know today.
Introduced to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary, the new logo was
intended to bring Toyota a solid image throughout the world. Following the
Japanese cultural traditions, the new logo was both simple and meaningful. Two
overlapping ellipses symbolize the hearts of the customers and the company
united in respect, trust and partnership. They also form a ‘T’, standing for
Toyota.
The emblem is completed with a bigger
oval, circling the other two to reflect the world embracing Toyota. Besides,
all of the ellipses are designed with various brush strokes, paying tribute to
Japanese calligraphy craft. The space between the ovals is meant to symbolize
the infinite values, cherished by Toyota. Excellent quality, reliability,
environmental concern and innovative technologies are among them.
Toyota logo is designed in
horizontally symmetrical shape to make it recognizable and invariable when seen
both head-on and through rear-view mirrors.
Cars bearing this logo have propelled
Toyota to commercial success and won millions of loyal customers around the
globe.
Toyota Logo Description
Toyota logo is known worldwide as a
combination of three ovals. The two overlapped inner ovals represent connection
between the hearts of the customers and the heart of the company as well as
mutually trusted relationship between them. Graphically they also symbolize ‘T’
for Toyota. The two ovals are embedded into a large ellipse that stands for
world embracing Toyota.
Toyota emblem consists of three
horizontally symmetrical ellipses combined in a single configuration to bear
the corporate values. This symmetry makes the logo recognizable both from the
front and when seen through rear-view mirrors.
The corporate Toyota logo is designed
in red color on white background, which is an attractive and eye-catching
combination. However, the logo seen on most Toyota cars is all silver, with
gradient shades. This is an elegant and modern option, typical for most car
manufacturers. The hybrid models feature the silver emblem placed on black font
with vivid blue shades.
Toyota Information
|
Type
|
Public
(K.K.)
|
Industry
|
Automotive
|
Founded
|
August
28, 1937
|
Founder
|
Kiichiro
Toyoda
|
Headquarters
|
Toyota,
Aichi, Japan
|
Products
|
Automobiles,
luxury vehicles, commercial vehicles, engines
|
Owner
|
Japan
Trustee Services Bank (9.61%)
Toyota Industries Corporation (6.48%)
The Master Trust Bank of Japan (5.27%)
State Street Bank and Trust Company (3.72%)
Nippon Life Insurance Company (3.54%)
|
Website
|
|
Honda Logo Meaning and History
Honda
Information
|
Type
|
Public (K.K.)
|
Industry
|
Automotive
Aviation
Telematics
|
Founded
|
September 24, 1948
|
Founder
|
Soichiro Honda
Takeo Fujisawa
|
Headquarters
|
Minato, Tokyo, Japan
|
Products
|
Automobiles
Commercial Vehicles
Luxury vehicles
Motorcycles
Scooters
Electric generators
Water pumps
Lawn and garden equipments
Tillers
Outboard motors
Robotics
Jet aircraft
Jet engines
Thin-film solar cells
Internavi
|
Owner
|
Japan Trustee Services Bank
(Trust) 6.46%
The Master Trust Bank of Japan (Trust) 4.71%
Mokusurei 3.09%
Meiji Yasuda Life 2.83%
Tokio Marine Nichido 2.35%
|
Website
|
|
Honda
Logo Meaning and History
Soichiro
Honda felt great passion for cars since he was a little boy. He was interested
in everything connected with mechanics and auto producing industry. Not
surprising that this self-taught gifted engineer always wanted to run his own
auto making factory. In spite of all obstacles and downs throughout his career
he was eventually noticed after designing his own pistons rings which made it
possible for him to win a contract with Toyota.
After
WWII he eventually decided to set his own small motorbike company with further
establishment of the Honda Technical Research Institute in Hamamatsu, Japan.
His motorcycles became very popular over the globe which helped him to obtain
good reputation and fame. This was the starting point of Honda Motor Company
development. People still argue over the exact date of brand’s foundation. What
is known for sure is that the company proved to be the largest motorcycle
producer in the world by 1963.
This
was the time to conquer other segments and expand its influence on the entire
industry. That is why the logo was essential for such purposes. Honda japanese
car brand introduced a simple yet recognizable logo, consisting of an “H”
letter embedded into a trapezoidal from. Now the Honda symbol is one of the
most recognizable and eminent badges in automotive market. It represents
magnificence, durability and confidence of every vehicle produced under
company’s name.
Honda
Logo Description
The
Honda logo projects the image of the company very elegantly and garners
recognition from all over the world.
The
Honda logo alters with the operating units. Nonetheless, it manages to maintain
the sophisticated image each logo holds. The Honda motorcycles feature the
Honda Wings logo, Acura automobiles comprise of the Honda ‘A’ logo, Honda
racing cars consist of Honda racing logo, Honda automobiles come with the Honda
‘H’ logo, and the Shipping carries the Honda Marine logo. Normally, the Honda
logo contains the same identity that is, the ‘H’, appearing broad from the top
and thinner from the bottom.
The
Honda logo features silver-grey metallic color, which gives very radiant and
inspiring look to the brand. The logo is enhanced by the reflective light in
background which makes the logo look very stylish.
Honda Information
|
Type
|
Public
(K.K.)
|
Industry
|
Automotive
Aviation
Telematics
|
Founded
|
September
24, 1948
|
Founder
|
Soichiro
Honda
Takeo Fujisawa
|
Headquarters
|
Minato,
Tokyo, Japan
|
Products
|
Automobiles
Commercial Vehicles
Luxury vehicles
Motorcycles
Scooters
Electric generators
Water pumps
Lawn and garden equipments
Tillers
Outboard motors
Robotics
Jet aircraft
Jet engines
Thin-film solar cells
Internavi
|
Owner
|
Japan
Trustee Services Bank (Trust) 6.46%
The Master Trust Bank of Japan (Trust) 4.71%
Mokusurei 3.09%
Meiji Yasuda Life 2.83%
Tokio Marine Nichido 2.35%
|
Website
|
|
HYNDAI: Hyundai Logo Meaning and
History
Hyundai Motor Company
was founded in 1967, which makes it one of the youngest automobile companies on
global market. However, despite that, in less than 50 years the company,
headquartered in Seoul, Korea, managed to reach the level of established Japanese,
European and American car manufacturers and broke into the leading makes by
sales numbers.
Yet, upon the first
years of operation, Hyundai business was the assembly of Ford Cortina. Later on
they hired a bunch of British engineers and designers and developed their own
model Pony, largely based on Mitsubishi Motors powertrains. The small car
proved to be a home success and international sales started. Other models
followed and Hyundai went on to become a fast-growing project. Today the
company produces all sorts of vehicles, including cars, SUVs, commercial
transport as well as hybrid-powered vehicles. Hyundai Motor Company also owns a
fellow Korean manufacturer Kia Motors and the luxury division Genesis Motors.
Like many Asian
manufacturers, the company used a simple Hyundai nameplate on its cars at the
beginning and the image of the manufacturer remained neutral for many years.
However, as the company’ business expanded, it became clear that an appropriate
logo was required for the customers to associate the vehicles with the brand.
Hyundai designers then came up with a simple, yet effective image. The logo was
basically a tilted H letter, embedded into an oval shape. Hyundai officials
said it was also representing two human figures, one of the customer and the
other one of the company, united in a handshake. That was meant to symbolize
mutual trust and respect. Overall, Hyundai fluid logo creates a friendly image,
which has already become well recognizable all over the world.
Hyundai Logo
Description
The Hyundai logo
depicts an oval-shaped letter “H” from the company name “Hyundai”. It is a
symbolic representation of the company’s desire to expand globally. The ovaloid
shape represents the company’s global expansion. The slanted, stylized “H”, on
the other hand, is suggestive of two people (the company and the customer, in
particular) shaking hands. The blue color in the Hyundai logo represents
excellence, supremacy and trustworthiness.
Nissan
Logo Meaning and History
Nissan
was the sixth largest automaker in the world behind Toyota, General Motors,
Volkswagen Group, Hyundai Motor Group, and Ford in 2013. Nissan is the major
brand of Nissan Motor Corporation, along with Infiniti, Datsun and NISMO. In
2012 saw the logo acquire gradient shades of silver and grey. The
chrome-colored theme in the Nissan logo represents sophistication, modernism,
creativity and perfection of the company’s products. Matched with the company’s
new slogan, ‘Innovation that excites’, the emblem reflect the brand’s new
identity but refers to long-standing traditions. Today Nissan cars are
recognized for quality, innovation, elegance and have leading positions in many
global markets. The Nissan logo is among the most popular and instantly recognizable
car logos in the world. The Nissan logo is a new steel-blue logo unveiled in
2013.
Nissan Information
|
Native name
|
日産自動車株式会社
|
Founded
|
1933
|
Founder
|
Masujiro Hashimoto
|
Headquarters
|
Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Japan
|
Owner
|
Renault
|
Slogan
|
"Innovation that
excites"
|
Official Site
|
|
Divisions
|
Infiniti
Nismo
Datsun
|
Top Speed
|
GT-R NISMO
0-62 mph (2.7 seconds)
|
Ford
Logo Meaning and History
Ford Motor Company is
proud to have one of the most recognizable corporate logos in the world, the
one that has been used for most of the company’s history. Yet, Ford’s first
production car, Model A, introduced in 1903, featured an emblem with stylized
‘Ford Motor Company’ wording, complete with a fashionable artistic border.
From 1906 to 1910 the
american car company used a patented script, known as ‘Script with wings’,
which was a thoroughly designed Ford signature with extended “F” and “D”
letters. By 2010 Ford has come up with the final revision of the wording that
has not changed ever since.
The famous Ford oval
dates back to 1907 when the British entrepreneurs Perry, Thornton and
Schreiber, responsible for the company’s advent to Great Britain, decided to
highlight Ford cars’ reliability and economy through the oval-shaped logo.
In 1912 the oval logo
made way for a new winged triangle design. Originally introduced to symbolize
speed, light weight, stability and grace, the logo came out in dark blue or
orange color and featured “The Universal Car” wording at the bottom. However,
it did not last long since Henry Ford disliked the emblem.
The new 1927 Model A
was the first Ford automobile to carry the famous Ford oval on the radiator
grill. Deep royal blue background became the company’s trademark and the oval
badge has been used on many cars through 1950s. Starting from 1976, the blue
and silver oval became an essential feature of all Ford vehicles. It has become
a recognizable symbol of the company, its facilities and products all around
the world and turned into one of the most expensive trademarks.
Celebrating the
company’s 100th anniversary, Ford introduced the latest version of the logo in
2003. The blue color became gradient, while silver color was replaced with
white. The shape of the oval turned more flattened.
Ford Logo
Description
Ford’s current logo,
also known as Centennial Blue Oval, was updated in 2003 on the company’s 100th
anniversary. The original logo was designed by C. Harold Will. The shape of the
logo is oval which looks simple yet elegant, giving the overall logo maximum
visual distinctiveness. The new Ford logo also contains the blue color, just as
the previous ones did, but the color is mixed with white to give it a smooth
shady effect. The combination gives the logo a pretty sight.
Ford Information
|
Type
|
Public
company
|
Industry
|
Automotive
|
Founded
|
June
16, 1903
|
Founder
|
Henry
Ford
|
Headquarters
|
Dearborn,
Michigan, U.S.
|
Products
|
Automobiles
Luxury Vehicles
Commercial Vehicles
Automotive parts
|
Owner
|
Ford
Family
|
Website
|
|
