How many well-known car logos can you instantly identify? Logos from car companies like Ford, BMW, Bentley, and more have become highly iconic over time. From the elegant emblem of Aston Martin to the minimalistic Volvo logo, each one possesses a distinctive style that plays a crucial role in attracting customers.
For car enthusiasts today, car brand logos go beyond mere marketing symbols. They have become symbols of status and personality. Owners, employees, and fans proudly wear lapel pins and cuff-links adorned with these logos. In some cases, certain car badges are highly coveted, to the point where people have even stolen them.
You must have wondered how did the companies create such unique symbols? Today, we’ll explore some of the most iconic car logos in history and delve into their meanings.
#1 Alfa Romeo
The Alfa Romeo car emblem is a classic and intricate symbol deeply rooted in Italian tradition. It has a history of over a century. In 1918, Romano Cattaneo sculpted the original Alfa Romeo badges, and their simplified forms continue to adorn the badge today.
The emblem features a Milanese cross on the left and the Biscione snake devouring a man on the right. The Biscione represents the Visconti family. They ruled Milan in the 14th century. The emblem’s colors, including gold, blue, red, and green, symbolize quality, purity, and luxury.
#2 Aston Martin
Car company logos often incorporate symbols that convey notions of speed and freedom, such as wings. Aston Martin, a renowned British car manufacturer, exemplifies this trend. Established in 1913 by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin, Aston Martin quickly gained renown for crafting sophisticated and high-quality automobiles.
This logo has seen changes over the years. It includes an initial combination of “A” and “M”. The wings have always remained a central element. It was first introduced in 1927 and continue to be a prominent feature today, alongside the Aston Martin name. The wings symbolize speed and innovation, while the green backdrop behind the Aston Martin name evokes a sense of luxury and value.
#3 Audi
Audi’s emblem, though elegantly minimalist, carries significant meaning. The four rings symbolize the 1932 merger of Germany’s oldest car manufacturers: DKW, Audi, Wanderer, and Horch, forming what we now know as Audi.
Initially known as the Auto Union, the name faded away in 1985, giving rise to the “Audi” brand. Throughout this evolution, Audi has retained the four rings in its logo, albeit with a simpler design. Some interpret these rings as representing a car’s four wheels, a connection acknowledged by Audi themselves.
#4 Bentley
Bentley’s emblem is among the most prestigious in the world of automobiles, representing luxury in the UK and worldwide. The iconic Bentley symbol began its journey in 1919 with founder Walter Owen Bentley, and its winged design is a nod to the company’s original name, Bentley Aero.
Before venturing into automobiles, Bentley manufactured rotary plane engines during World War I, giving the winged logo a historical context. Today, those wings also symbolize speed and freedom.
#5 BMW
BMW, renowned worldwide for its luxury and stunning designs, has garnered a devoted following over the years who proudly embrace the BMW roundel.
The exact meaning of this emblem remains a topic of debate. Some suggest it represents the blue sky and a plane propeller, reflecting BMW’s aviation history. Others argue it relates to the brand’s Bavarian origin, with the logo incorporating the BMW name and a Bavarian flag within a circle.
Regardless of its origins, today’s BMW logo is iconic, easily recognizable, and meticulously crafted. The blue and white colors effectively convey reliability.
#6 Bugatti
Numerous renowned logos are derived from the names of the entrepreneurs behind the businesses. Ettore Bugatti’s legacy lives on in the ongoing design and development of Bugatti vehicles, thanks to the company’s logo.
Bugatti which was established in Italy in 1909 has made a significant impact globally. It is known for crafting exceptional, top-tier, and high-speed automobiles. Numerous renowned logos are derived from the names of the entrepreneurs behind the businesses. Ettore Bugatti’s legacy lives on in the ongoing design and development of Bugatti vehicles, thanks to the company’s logo.
Established in Italy in 1909, Bugatti has made a significant impact globally, crafting exceptional, top-tier, and high-speed automobiles.
#7 Buick
Buick, part of the General Motors family, was founded by David Dunbar Buick in 1899, making it one of the earliest American automobile brands. While the Buick logo has undergone changes over the years, the shield shape has remained a consistent element. The current emblem features three shields inspired by the company founder’s coat of arms.
The three shield colors represent significant Buick models: Invicta, LeSabre, and Electra, while the metallic silver hue signifies the brand’s modern and forward-thinking identity.
#8 Cadillac
The Cadillac car logo, often associated with strength and reliability, presents a modern interpretation of its original design. The initial emblems for Cadillac represented the family name of Le Sieur Antoine De La Mothe Cadillac, who founded Detroit, Michigan in 1701, inspiring the Cadillac brand name.
Although the current Cadillac logo has fewer details compared to previous iterations, it still hints at the coat of arms of Detroit’s founder. The connection between the designs remains evident.
Today’s Cadillac emblem is highly recognizable, using colors like red and gold to convey notions of power and luxury.
#9 Chevrolet
Chevy’s bowtie logo is a widely recognized and appealing symbol for the company. Legend has it that the original design was inspired by a repeating pattern on French wallpaper, chosen by William C. Durant, the co-founder of Chevrolet and General Motors. However, Durant’s wife disputed this story, suggesting it came from a newspaper ad.
Another theory suggests Louis Chevrolet designed the bowtie as a nod to his parents’ Swiss heritage, resembling a Swiss Cross. Today, the enduring shape and the use of colors like gold and silver in the logo convey qualities of quality and strength.
#10 Chrysler
Chrysler’s car logo is a symbol of elegance and sophistication, standing out among famous automotive emblems. Officially under the Stellantis brand, it draws inspiration from the Kruessler crest and added wings in the 1930s, symbolizing quality.
Some experts suggest that the Chrysler design was intended to resemble a regal wax seal. While Chrysler has explored various logos, including the “Pentastar” and other shapes, the wings have remained a recurring motif. Today, the Chrysler emblem continues to signify elegance and refinement.
#11 Ferrari
Ferrari boasts one of the world’s most instantly recognizable car logos, officially known as the “Cavallino Rampante” or “Prancing Horse.”
The logo’s origin is linked to Enzo Ferrari’s first victory at the Savio circuit, where he met Count Enrico and Countess Paolina Baracca. Their son, an Italian fighter pilot, had a horse on his plane, and after his passing, the count and countess passed on the design to Enzo, believing it would bring him luck.
The prancing horse against a vibrant yellow background has remained an enduring symbol of the Ferrari brand throughout the decades.
#12 Ford
Ford, one of the pioneering companies in the automotive industry, has maintained its iconic car logo over the years, characterized by its simplicity and easy recognition.
The blue oval of the Ford emblem has been a constant feature since 1927. Inside the emblem, the white script, designed by Ford’s Chief Engineer Childe Harold Wills, is intended to convey purity and clarity. It is said to be based on the signature of Henry Ford, the company’s founder.
#13 Honda
Famous car logos don’t need complexity to leave a lasting impression. Honda’s logo is exceptionally recognizable, featuring a bold capital “H” within a rectangle with curved edges, and its meaning appears straightforward.
In Honda’s logo, the “H” signifies more than just the company name; it pays homage to founder Soichiro Honda. Additionally, it’s designed to resemble a person raising their arms in victory, with the top section of the “H” wider than the bottom.
#14 Hyundai
Hyundai’s emblem, although initially unassuming and reminiscent of Honda, possesses its distinct charm. The South Korean company explains that the logo goes beyond its surface appearance.
The “H,” signifying “Hyundai,” is also crafted to resemble two people shaking hands, while the deliberate choice of an oval encasement represents Hyundai’s international and inclusive ethos.
#15 Infiniti
Infiniti, a relatively modern and well-known luxury car brand under Nissan, boasts a logo consisting of a partial metallic oval with a central triangle. Infiniti’s branding team has given this design more than just visual appeal. The central triangle symbolizes a road extending into infinity. This thoughtful and clever approach combines simplicity with hidden meaning in the Infiniti car emblem, making it a notable addition to logo history, despite the brand’s relatively recent entry into the market compared to its competitors.
#16 Jaguar
Jaguar, akin to BMW or Ferrari, is synonymous with strength, luxury, and power. Its emblem, depicting a leaping Jaguar with bared teeth, appears to be a fitting choice.
However, the Jaguar symbol traces back to the Swallow Sidecar business, which produced the SS Jaguar in the 1930s. This eye-catching logo not only conveys power, strength, and beauty but also showcases how many companies incorporate animals into their car brand badges.
#17 Lamborghini
Lamborghini, a renowned luxury brand, is associated with class and excellence. Like many premium car logos, Lamborghini’s emblem features its own animal symbol. The bull in the Lamborghini logo represents strength and pays tribute to founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, who was inspired during a visit to Don Eduaro Mirau’s ranch, where he encountered fighting bulls.
Notably, Lamborghini also named its cars after fighting bulls and bullfighting terms, such as Islero, Jalpa, and Diablo. The use of gold and black in the color scheme conveys quality and luxury, while the shield shape symbolizes reliability.
#18 Lexus
The Lexus logo is a distinctive but straightforward addition to famous car logos. Despite being relatively new compared to other brands, Lexus is building its reputation.
The emblem, featuring the letter “L” within a circle, represents “Lexus,” derived from the name “Alexis,” Toyota’s original choice for its premium car brand. The encircling shape may symbolize community or inclusivity, contributing to brand awareness among automotive enthusiasts.
#19 Lotus
Founded by Anthony Chapman, Lotus initially manufactured road and racing cars. The Lotus emblem incorporates Chapman’s initials, including his middle names, Colin and Bruce.
Over the years, most elements of the Lotus logo have remained unchanged since the company’s inception in 1952. It retains the British racing green background and bright yellow accents symbolizing happiness.
Lotus cars have earned fame, especially in Formula 1 racing. Despite Chapman’s passing, the company continues to produce world-class racing cars.
#20 Maserati
Maserati is one of the many car companies who decided to maintain the same aesthetic for their logo over the years. Since the company began in 1926, the Trident logo has remained largely consistent.Â
The image was inspired by the iconic statue of Neptune located in Bologna, Italy, where the Maserati company first began making cars.
The statue in Italy features Neptune wielding his famous trident. The Maserati team decided to use this powerful weapon in their symbol, with the addition of the Bologna colors, white, red, and blue.
#21 Mazda
Mazda’s logo, originally conceived in 1936, began as a triple-stacked “M” representing Mazda Motor Manufacturers. Over time, Mazda experimented with various designs, adding wings to convey agility, then eventually simplifying it to an “M” within a circle.
In 1992, Mazda introduced a new emblem featuring a circular shape with a curved diamond in the center.
Today’s logo consists of an oval with simplified silver wings in the center. The inner shape symbolizes wings and can also be perceived as an “M” when viewed in conjunction with the surrounding oval.
#22 Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz logo exemplifies the power of simplicity in the automotive world, making it memorable and striking. Initially designed by Paul and Adolf Daimler as a tribute to their late father, the original Mercedes logo centered on a star shape, symbolizing prosperity and good luck for the company’s growth.
Mercedes trademarked both a four-pointed and the familiar three-pointed star. According to the Mercedes team, the choice of the three-pointed star reflected their ambition to create vehicles for land, sea, and air transport. This timeless silver emblem continues to capture attention worldwide today.
#23 Nissan
Nissan’s logo is a straightforward chrome badge displaying the company’s name in capital letters. The logo’s roots trace back to Nissan’s ownership of Datsun, which used the company name in a blue rectangle over a red circle, reminiscent of the Japanese rising sun image.
The current Nissan emblem, introduced in 2001, modernizes the Datsun emblem’s concept. Today, the badge comes in both chrome and black versions, with both colors symbolizing creativity and modernity.
#24 Porsche
Porsche’s logo, often compared to Ferrari’s prancing horse, embodies sophistication, luxury, and heritage. It’s a visually striking crest with gold, red, and black colors.
Since its 1952 inception, Porsche’s emblem has remained largely unchanged. The unique coat of arms in the logo has strong ties to Stuttgart, where Porsche’s headquarters is situated.
The antlers and black and red stripes surrounding the horse symbolize Germany’s Wurttemberg state.
#25 Saab
Saab’s emblem has its roots in aircraft production in the 20th century when Swedish Airplane Limited (Svenska Aeroplan AB) decided to enter the car manufacturing industry in the 1950s.
The previous logo, featuring the front of an airplane propeller, didn’t suit cars. So, the brand adopted a red Griffin with a golden crown, symbolizing fantasy, creativity, and luxury, alongside the adoption of the Saab name. This choice was influenced by Vadis-Scania, a truck manufacturer that partnered with Saab’s parent company, and the Griffin also holds significance in Swedish coats of arms.
#26 Subaru
The Subaru brand is named after the Pleiades, a star cluster in the Taurus constellation, shedding light on the logo’s meaning. Car logos often have a connection to their names, and Subaru is no different.
The emblem displays six stars from the Taurus constellation, the most visible to the naked eye when stargazing. The five smaller stars behind the larger one symbolize the merger of five small companies forming Fuji Heavy Industries. The blue and silver colors represent the night sky and signify reliability and credibility.
#27 Suzuki
Suzuki’s logo symbolizes the company’s dedication to evolution and adventure, and despite being founded in 1909, its visual identity has remained relatively unchanged.
The current emblem harks back to the original Suzuki symbol, which featured two eagles forming an “S” shape. While it has evolved into a simpler design, it retains a modern geometric appeal. The “S” character resembles Japanese script characters, reflecting the company’s heritage.
The bright red color signifies passion and vitality, while the blue wordmark conveys reliability and trust. Though straightforward, this icon is versatile, memorable, and impactful, which is why it has remained unchanged since 1990.
#28 Toyota
The Toyota emblem appears to be an artistic or hand-drawn “T” within an oval. However, its meaning goes deeper, according to the company’s creators.
While the design aims to evoke the Toyota name, the deliberate choice of overlapping ovals has significance. The overlapped ovals symbolize trust between the car maker and its customers. The white space in the emblem represents the future potential of the company, while the red color signifies passion, power, and strength.
#29 Volkswagen
Volkswagen, one of the world’s largest car manufacturers, sports a simple yet highly recognizable emblem.
The Volkswagen logo cleverly incorporates the letters W and V for “Volks” (people in German) and “Wagon” (cars in German). The stacked letters form a clean and elegant shape, ideal for a car’s front.
The circle surrounding the letters signifies values of community and inclusivity, aligning with the Volkswagen brand.
#30 Volvo
The name “Volvo” is derived from the Latin word “Volvere,” meaning “roll,” a significant factor in the Volvo’s logo choice. The original emblem featured a blue oval with the name “Volvo” in the center and “Gothenburg, Sweden” underneath.
Over time, Volvo adopted the symbol of the Greek god of war, an icon with an arrow pointing upward and to the right. According to the Volvo team, this symbol represents the company’s strength and its dedication to safeguarding customers. The upward-pointing arrow also suggests notions of exploration and forward-thinking innovation.
