Have you ever stood in a parking lot and tried to guess the make of a car passing by based on just the logo on the hood? Or maybe, when buying a used car, you doubted the authenticity of the emblem on the radiator grille? Recognition of car brands by logos is not only an exciting hobby for car enthusiasts, but also a useful skill. After all, everything depends on the correct definition of the brand: from the cost of spare parts to the features of maintenance.

In this article we will look at 50+ logos of popular car brands - from legendary German manufacturers to young Chinese brands. You will learn how distinguish the original emblem from a fake by 3 key features, why some logos have changed over the years, and how to avoid falling for scammers when buying a used car. And at the end it awaits you interactive test knowledge of car brands!

But first, let's figure out why it is generally important to be able to identify brands by their emblems. Firstly, it helps you quickly find your way on the road - for example, understand what is in front of you Porsche with his characteristic shield, not Audi with four rings. Secondly, when buying a used car, knowing the logos will protect you from being scammed: scammers sometimes fake logos to pass off a cheap car as a premium one. And finally, it’s just interesting - both the history of coats of arms for medieval knights and car emblems tell about the culture and ambitions of their creators.

📊 How often do you pay attention to car logos?
Constantly, this is my hobby
Only when I buy a car
Sometimes, if the emblem is unusual
Never thought about it

1. Classic European brands: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen and others

European car manufacturers are famous for their recognizable logos, many of which have not changed for decades. Let's take, for example, three-pointed star Mercedes-Benz. It symbolizes the company’s desire to literally “conquer land, water and air” - which is why the rays are directed in three directions. Did you know that the logo was originally drawn on a postcard by the son of the company's founder, Gottlieb Daimler, in 1909?

The emblem is no less legendary BMW — a stylized propeller against a blue sky. This logo appeared in 1917, when the company was still producing aircraft engines. Today, many people mistakenly think that the white and blue sectors symbolize the Bavarian flag, but in fact this is a myth. And here is the logo Volkswagen with his laconic V and W in the circle actually refers to the name of the brand - “people's car” (Volks + Wagen).

Interesting fact: Audi the four rings in the logo appeared in 1932 after the merger of four companies - Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer>. Each ring symbolizes one of the founders. Today this logo is associated with premium technologies and all-wheel drive. quattro.

  • 🔹 Mercedes-Benz: Three-pointed star in a circle. The original emblem is always metal, with clear edges.
  • 🔹 BMW: Propeller in a black ring. On new models, the logo may be illuminated.
  • 🔹 Volkswagen: V and W in a blue circle. On electric cars (for example, ID.4) the logo is flat, without volume.
  • 🔹 Audi: Four intertwined rings. On models RS the logo may be red.
⚠️ Attention: Used Mercedes-Benz older than 2000, fake emblems made of plastic are often found. The original star must be metal and magnetic!

2. American Giants: Ford, Chevrolet, Tesla and their evolution

American automakers prefer laconic and memorable logos, which are easy to read even at high speed. Let's take for example Ford - their blue oval with white font has been known since 1907! Did you know that the founder of the company, Henry Ford, personally approved of the logo design, calling it "simple and honest"?

Logo Chevrolet in the form of a "bow tie" (officially - "cross Chevrolet") appeared in 1913. There is a legend that it was invented by the founder of the company himself, Louis Chevrolet, inspired by a wallpaper pattern in a Parisian hotel. And here is the logo Tesla - this is not just a stylized letter T, and a cross section of an electric motor! This is a reflection of the brand's philosophy, where technology is more important than tradition.

Interestingly, American logos are often changed for the sake of modernization. For example, Ford in 2022 introduced a flat 3D logo for electric cars, and Chevrolet periodically experiments with gradients and shadows. At the same time, the classic versions remain on retro models, such as Ford Mustang or Chevrolet Camaro.

Brand Year of logo appearance Features of the original Frequent counterfeits
Ford 1907 Oval with blue gradient, font Ford Script Plastic emblems without gradient
Chevrolet 1913 Gold cross on a red background (on premium models) Cross with jagged edges
Tesla 2003 Chrome letter T without rim Logos with black border
Jeep 1941 7 vertical slots in the radiator grille Emblems with 5 or 6 slots
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On American pickups (for example, Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado) emblems are often attached with double-sided tape. When buying a used one, check if the logo is coming off - this is a sign of a fake or an accident.

3. Japanese precision: Toyota, Honda, Nissan and their hidden meanings

Japanese automakers are known for their minimalistic but meaningful logos. For example, the logo Toyota - these are not just three ovals, but a symbolic image the heart of the customer, the heart of the product and the endless possibilities of technology. Did you know that if you look closely, you can see all the letters of the brand name in the logo?

Honda also not far behind: their stylized letter H in a silver square represents two hands hugging the world. This logo appeared in 1981 and has remained virtually unchanged since then. But Nissan has come a long way: from a round emblem with the hieroglyph “Nissan” (which means “sunny day”) to a modern chrome badge with the brand name.

Interestingly, Japanese logos often contain hidden technical details. For example, in the logo Mazda stylized letter M resembles wings, symbolizing speed and freedom. A logo Subaru with six stars refers to the Pleiades constellation - this is a tribute to the company Fuji Heavy Industries, which united six companies.

  • 🔶 Toyota: Three ovals forming a letter T. On hybrids (for example, Prius) the logo may be blue.
  • 🔶 Honda: Silver H squared. On motorcycles the logo is red.
  • 🔶 Nissan: Chromed title in oval. On electric cars (for example, Leaf) logo green.
  • 🔶 Mitsubishi: Three red diamonds (symbol of the founder's family). On SUVs (eg. Pajero) logo can be black.
⚠️ Attention: On Japanese cars older than 10 years, “restyled” logos are often found - for example, Toyota until 1990 it had a red emblem with white font. If the seller claims that the car is newer than the logo looks, this is a reason to check the VIN code!
How do the Japanese test logos?

Before approving a new company logo like Toyota conduct recognition tests: show the emblem to people for 0.5 seconds and ask them to name the brand. If more than 90% guess correctly, the logo is approved.

4. Korean brands: Hyundai, Kia, Genesis - from budget to premium

Korean automakers have made a real revolution over the past 20 years - from cheap and unreliable cars to competitors to European premium brands. And their logos reflect this evolution. For example, Hyundai in 2021, the logo was completely updated: instead of an oval logo with a stylized letter H appeared geometric icon symbolizing the meeting of two people (company and client).

Kia also went from a simple oval logo with an inscription to a modern icon, where the letter K integrated into an oval shape. A brand Genesis (premium division Hyundai) chose a logo in the form two intersecting lines, which resembles opening doors - symbolizing hospitality and luxury.

Interestingly, Korean logos are often change color depending on the model. For example, on electric cars Hyundai IONIQ 5 the emblem is highlighted in blue, and on premium Genesis G90 - silver with chrome trim.

Brand Old logo (until 2020) New logo (after 2020) Where is it most often counterfeited?
Hyundai Oval with blue H Geometric icon without letters On Solaris and Creta
Kia Oval with red font KIA Stylized K in the oval On Rio and Sportage
Genesis Shield with wings Two intersecting lines On G70 and G80

The emblem must be secured with rivets, not tape.

The logo color must match the body color (on new models)

On premium Genesis the logo must be backlit

The inscription on the emblem should not be erased (check with your finger) -->

5. Chinese cars are on the rise: Geely, Changan, BYD and their ambitious logos

Chinese automakers today are not only copies of foreign brands, but also innovative companies with their own design schools. Chinese brand logos often reflect their ambitions: e.g. Geely (owner Volvo) uses six silver waves, symbolizing global expansion. A BYD (leader in sales of electric cars) chose a logo in the form three blue ovals, which resemble batteries - a key element of their technology.

Changan - one of the oldest Chinese brands - has a logo in the form stylized letter V in the blue oval, which refers to their motto "Forward!" (Forward!). A Great Wall (manufacturer of pickup trucks and SUVs) uses an emblem with two hands holding the globe - symbolizing global ambitions.

Interestingly, Chinese logos are often change when entering new markets. For example, Geely for European models (eg Coolray) uses a simplified version of the logo without Chinese characters.

  • 🚩 Geely: Six silvery waves. On electric cars, the logo is illuminated.
  • 🚩 BYD: Three blue ovals (battery symbol). On buses the logo is red.
  • 🚩 Changan: Blue letter V in the oval. On premium models the logo is chrome.
  • 🚩 Great Wall: Hands holding the globe. On pickup trucks the logo is black.
⚠️ Attention: On Chinese cars not officially supplied to Russia (for example, Haval or Chery older generations), “gray” emblems are often found - without backlighting and with a simplified design. This may indicate unofficial importation!

6. Premium and sports brands: Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini - luxury in details

Logos of premium and sports brands are works of art, which often contain hidden meanings and historical references. Let's take, for example, Porsche: Their logo with a horse in the center refers to the coat of arms of the city of Stuttgart (where the company's headquarters is located), and the horns in the logo symbolize strength and speed. Did you know that the first logo Porsche was drawn in 1952 by himself Ferdinand Porsche?

Logo Ferrari - this is yellow shield with black horse (symbol of speed) and the Italian flag at the top. Legend has it that the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari, chose the horse after meeting with the pilot’s parents Francesco Baracca, on whose plane a similar symbol was painted. A Lamborghini chose the bull as an emblem because of the founder's passion Ferruccio Lamborghini bullfight.

Interestingly, premium brands often personalize logos for special series. For example, Porsche 911 GT3 RS has an emblem with a green horse (instead of the traditional black one), and Ferrari LaFerrari - with a red shield instead of a yellow one.

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On sports cars, logos are often attached to special magnetic bases - this allows them to be quickly removed before racing (where emblems are prohibited by regulations).

When buying a used car logo checking is one of the first steps that will help you avoid being scammed. Fraudsters often fake emblems to pass off a cheap car as a premium one or to hide the fact of an accident. Here 5 Key Signs, which are worth paying attention to:

1. Emblem material: Original logos of premium brands (Mercedes, BMW, Audi) are always metal and magnetic. Plastic or light alloy is a sign of a fake.

2. Fastening: On most cars, emblems are attached with rivets or screws. Double-sided tape or silicone glue is a reason for suspicion.

3. Color and texture: For example, at Toyota the original logo has color depth — if you look at an angle, you can see the gradient. For fakes, the color is usually uniform.

4. Backlight: On new models (especially electric cars), logos are often illuminated. If the backlight is missing or blinking, this may be a sign of replacement.

5. Compliance with the year of manufacture: Logos change with restyling. For example, Hyundai until 2020 it had an oval logo, and after that it had a geometric logo.

Check if the logo is magnetic (for metal logos)

Compare the color of the logo with the official photos of the model

Make sure that the fastening is original (not tape, not silicone)

See if there is a backlight (if provided by the model)

Check the logo design with the year of manufacture of the car-->

Now let's check how well you remember the logos! Below - 5 car brand emblems. Try to guess which brands they belong to (the answers are hidden under spoilers).

🔍 Logo 1: Three diamonds in a red oval.

Answer

This is the logo Mitsubishi. The three diamonds symbolize the three diamonds from the coat of arms of the founder's family.

🔍 Logo 2: Silver letter H squared.

Answer

This is the logo Honda. It represents two arms embracing the world.

🔍 Logo 3: Four intertwined rings.

Answer

This is the logo Audi, symbolizing the merger of four companies in 1932.

🔍 Logo 4: Yellow shield with a black horse.

Answer

This is the logo Ferrari. The horse was taken from the pilot's plane Francesco Baracca.

🔍 Logo 5: Six silvery waves.

Answer

This is the logo Geely, symbolizing the global expansion of the brand.

If you guessed all 5 logos, you are a real expert! If not, don’t be upset: now you know what to pay attention to next time.

❓ How many car brand logos are there in the world?

To date, more than 1500 active car brands (including sub-brands and subsidiaries), each of which has its own unique logo. However, the mass market is dominated by about 50-60 markswhich occur most often.

❓ Why do some brands have a logo that changes depending on the model?

This is due to marketing strategy. For example, premium divisions (like Genesis at Hyundai) receive unique logos to highlight their status. Also, the color of the logo can change: electric cars often use blue or green (symbolizing environmental friendliness), and sports models often use red or black (aggressiveness).

❓ How are automaker logos protected from counterfeiting?

Most logos are patented and protected copyright. For example, Mercedes-Benz has a patent for his three-pointed star, and Ferrari - to the image of a horse. Companies can be sued for counterfeiting logos, and in some countries (such as Germany) it is a criminal offense.

❓ Is it possible to legally change the logo on your car?

Technically yes, but there are some nuances:

  • If you are replacing the logo with original emblem of the same brand (for example, put a new logo BMW instead of the old one) - this is legal.
  • If you install a logo another brand (for example, Audi on Volkswagen) - this may be considered copyright infringement, especially if the machine is used for commercial purposes.
  • In some countries (for example, in Russia), replacing the logo can lead to problems during registration if it changes the “appearance of the vehicle” in the title.
❓ Which logos are most often faked by scammers?

According to experts, the emblems of the following brands are most often counterfeited (in descending order):

  1. Mercedes-Benz (star)
  2. BMW (propeller)
  3. Audi (four rings)
  4. Porsche (horse and horns)
  5. Ferrari (horse)

This is due to the high cost of original emblems (up to 10,000 rubles per set) and the popularity of these brands in the secondary market.