When buying a used car or choosing a new model from China, motorists often encounter visual similarity of logos. Chinese car icon star It is a classic search query that brings together dozens of different manufacturers using this geometric symbol in their identity. The star is one of the most popular elements in the Chinese automotive industry, symbolizing ambition, leadership and high quality products.
However, for an untrained driver, the differences between the two may not be obvious. JAC Motors, Changan, Haval or Venucia They all use stellar motifs to some extent. Understanding the intricacies of the emblem design will help you not only identify the car on the road, but also choose the right parts or assess the status of the owner.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the main brands that use a star in the logo and learn to distinguish them by key features. You will learn why some brands prefer silver chromium, while others choose red background, and what is hidden behind the symbols on the grille.
The evolution of Chinese car logos
The history of the Chinese automotive industry goes back several decades, but the real boom in the design of emblems came in the early 2000s. At that time, manufacturers were looking for ways to make their presence felt in the global market, and symbolism It was the first marketing tool. The star was often associated with technological progress, which was ideal for a rapidly developing industry.
Many brands started with copying Western counterparts, but over time developed their own unique style. Before that. Chinese car With any star perceived as a budget copy, today it is a sign of quality and engineering. Some companies even changed logos to reflect the shift from utility trucks to premium crossovers.
It is important to note that visual similarity often arises from the use of similar color schemes. Chromium, silver and red dominate the palette. But, looking at the lineage And the number of rays, you can easily determine the manufacturer. For example, a five-pointed star may be inscribed in a circle, an oval, or combined with other elements such as wings or hieroglyphs.
Pay attention to the background color of the emblem: red background often indicates sports or youth lines, while pure chrome is typical for business class.
JAC Motors: The Hexagonal Star and Its Meaning
One of the most famous representatives of the "star" family is the company. JAC Motors (Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd.) Their logo is a stylized six-pointed star enclosed in an oval. This symbol is often confused with the logos of other brands, but the JAC They have their own distinctive features.
Historically, the emblem has JAC It symbolizes the fusion of technology and art. The six star rays can also be associated with the company’s development directions: innovation, quality, service and other key aspects. Owners of these cars often appreciate them for their reliability and adaptation to harsh operating conditions.
When identifying the car, pay attention to the shape of the star. U JAC It is more elongated and angular, resembling a snowflake or a technical gear. This distinguishes them from the more rounded forms of competitors. Logo. It is usually made in silver color, which gives the car a strict and businesslike look.
- ⭐ The six-pointed shape of the star is a key difference from the five-pointed counterparts.
- ⭐ The oval edging often has thickened edges, which adds massiveness.
- ⭐ The brand actively uses this symbol on trucks, cars and electric cars.
It is worth noting that in recent years JAC It updates the design of its cars, making the grille more aggressive, but the emblem remains recognizable. It's an important element. brandbookWhich the company doesn’t plan to change anytime soon.
The six-pointed star in the oval is JAC Motors’ calling card, distinguishing them from most competitors using five-pointed stars.
Changan: Red Star with Wings
Another giant, Changan AutomobileThe letter "V" is stylized as a flying bird or, in some interpretations, a star with wings. However, in the mass consciousness and in old models, it is often the association with the star that is found, especially if we consider the historical emblems of the brand.
Modern logo Changan The blue or silver letter V in the circle, symbolizing victory (Victory) and value (Value). But if you see Chinese car If you have a red star in a circle, and it's not a Chery, it's very likely to be one of a specific line or sub-brand, or older models where the graphics were different.
However, in the context of the request, the “star icon” cannot be ignored. ChanganTheir current logo is often seen as an abstract star. Dynamic lines create a sense of speed and movement. Cars of this brand are famous for their series engines BlueCoredeveloped with the participation of international partners.
⚠️ Note: Do not confuse the Changan logo with the Acura logo. Although both use a stylized letter/star, Acura has a sharper shape and resembles a compass, while Changan has a more rounded and birdish shape.
When selecting spare parts for Changan It is important to consider the year of release, as the design of the front part of the body has changed dramatically. If the hood is adorned with a "V-shaped star", then it is guaranteed the products of one of the largest state corporations in China.
Haval and Great Wall: Red background and rectangle
Brand Havalcorporation Great Wall Motors (GWM) uses a very recognizable logo. It is an "H" inscribed in a rectangle with rounded edges, but the upper bar of the letter is often stylized so that the entire composition reads like a star or a flag. However, if we talk about the "star", then it is important to mention the GWM Corporation itself, whose logo is a stylized wall (Great Wall), but is often perceived as a geometric figure with sharp angles.
Owners of crossovers Haval F7, Jolion or Dargo They know their badge well. It symbolizes leadership and security. Red background of the emblem Haval It is a tribute to tradition and a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture. Cars under this brand are positioned as more premium compared to the basic models Great Wall.
The table below compares the main characteristics of the logos of the brands reviewed to make it easier for you to navigate:
| Brand | Symbol shape | Background color | The basic point |
|---|---|---|---|
| JAC Motors | A six-pointed star in an oval | Silver/Chrome | Technology and art |
| Changan | The letter "V" (abstract star) | Blue or chrome | Winning and value |
| Haval (GWM) | The letter "H" in a rectangle | Red. | Leadership and security |
| Venucia | Five-pointed star in wings | Silver | Origin and openness |
As you can see from the table, colour-gamma It plays a crucial role in identification. The red background almost always indicates a connection with the Haval or Chery (although Chery has a different logo), while pure chrome is typical of more tech-friendly or neutral brands.
Venucia and other stamps with a star
The brand deserves special attention. Venucia (previously known as Qichen). It's a joint venture. Dongfeng and Nissan. Their logo is perhaps the most real "star" in the classical sense among Chinese cars. The five-pointed star is inscribed in a figure resembling the spread wings or the letter "V".
Venucia It is positioned as a brand offering technology (joint ventures) at an affordable price. The star here symbolizes origin (from Nissan) and openness to the new. Vehicles of this brand, such as Venucia D60 crossover StarThey are often equipped with proven Japanese engines.
Why are there so many stars?
Chinese culture is full of symbols. Star (Xīng) is associated with a bright future, leadership and high standards. For new brands, it’s a way to declare their ambitions to reach the world level.
There are also lesser known brands in the global market, such as Shuanghuan (the logo is a double ring resembling a star) or various local electric car manufacturers that use a star-themed design. However, JAC, Changan, Haval and Venucia They are the main mass of "star" cars on the roads of the CIS.
- ⭐ Venucia It uses a classic five-pointed star with wing elements.
- ⭐ The brand is closely linked to technology NissanThis guarantees a certain quality of assembly.
- ⭐ Car design is often conservative but reliable.
When looking for parts for such cars, it is important to be careful. Catalogue numbers They may overlap with models. Nissan or DongfengThis simplifies maintenance, but requires accurate model identification.
☑️ Checking before buying a Chinese car
Problems of identification and search of spare parts
The main difficulty faced by owners of Chinese cars with a star on the hood is the search for original spare parts. The market is full of analogues, but original They often have specific labels. A mistake in branding can lead to the purchase of incompatible parts, such as filters or suspension elements.
It is often the case that the vehicle looks like JACbut according to the documents, it is Solano or under another name given by the local collector. In such cases, it is necessary to rely on VIN code. Decoding a VIN is the most reliable way to know the true manufacturer.
⚠️ Warning: When ordering parts through online stores, never rely on a photo of the logo. Always use a VIN or exact model name and year of release, as externally identical bodies may have different engines and mounts.
It’s also worth considering that some brands have changed names or logos in the restyling process. For example, moving from old models Great Wall new Haval It was accompanied by a change of emblems on many nodes. Mechanics recommend always checking the part with the sample before installation.
To simplify life, there are special catalogs and applications that allow you to find a spare part by photo. The human factor is important: knowing what is in front of you. JAC or ChanganThis greatly speeds up the dialogue with the seller.
Using a VIN code when ordering parts for Chinese cars is the only way to guarantee 100% compatibility, as visual identification by logo is often insufficient.
How to correctly determine the brand by VIN-code
If the appearance of the logo is in doubt, refer to the VIN code. In Chinese cars, it is usually located on the front panel (visible through the windshield) or on the body rack. The first three characters (WMI) will tell you about the country and the manufacturer.
China is characterized by codes that begin with a letter. L. For example, LJ1 or LJC frequently JACeh LS5 or LS6 may relate Changan. Knowing these prefixes, you can instantly weed out unnecessary options.
Examples of WMI codes:
LJ1 - JAC Motors
LSV - Shanghai Volkswagen (but there are also Chinese codes)
LGW - Great Wall Motors
LHG - Guangqi Honda (Joint Venture)
Enter this code in special online services or contact official dealers. It will take a few minutes, but it will save you from buying the wrong parts. Remember that identification The first step to providing quality service to your Chinese.
How to distinguish JAC from Chery in appearance?
JAC typically uses a hexagonal star in an oval, often with a more "cargo" or utilitarian aesthetic, even in passenger models. Chery uses the logo as the letter "A" in a circle surrounded by an ellipse, which looks more like a wing or triangle than a classic star. However, the old Chery logos could be similar, so look at the number of rays: JAC has six, Chery has no rays in the classical sense.
Why do Chinese brands change logos so often?
It's part of a rebranding strategy. The Chinese market is very dynamic, and companies are trying to move away from the image of a “cheap copyist” to the image of a technological leader. A change in logo (e.g. a flat, minimalist design) signals a new level of quality and export orientation.
How reliable are the cars with the “star” badge?
Modern models of brands like Haval, JAC and Changan show high reliability, comparable to the budget segment of Korean or European cars. They use proven units and undergo strict quality control. However, the resource may depend on operating conditions and timeliness of service.