Lion on a car: what brand is behind the predator symbol?

When the figure of a growling or rearing animal adorns the hood or radiator grill of a car, many motorists have no doubt that this is a French car. Peugeot. This logo has become one of the most recognizable symbols in the global automotive industry, going from an emblem on saw blades to a sign of technological superiority. However, the history of this image is full of unexpected twists that may surprise even avid car enthusiasts.

Many people mistakenly believe that the company originally produced cars, but this is not the case. The founders of the brand, the Peugeot family, started with completely different areas of production, which required the strength and quality of the metal. It was these qualities that they decided to capture in their logo, choosing the king of beasts not by chance. Let's figure out why the choice fell on the lion and how the appearance of the predator changed over two centuries.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the evolution of the logo, analyze the modern model naming system, and find out which other cars in history had similar symbols. You will understand what is behind each line of a modern emblem and how to correctly read the indices, for example, Peugeot 308 or Peugeot 5008.

Historical roots: from sawmill to automobile

The Peugeot family settled in the Franche-Comté region in eastern France in the 15th century, but they began their industrial journey much later. In 1810, brothers Jean-Pierre and Jean-Frédéric Peugeot converted the old mill into a manufactory. They did not think about cars, they were interested in metal products, in particular, saw blades and watch springs. The quality of their products was so high that a distinctive sign was required.

In 1847, at the request of the family's lawyer, Jules Peugeot, the artist Justine Besançon created the first sketch of a lion. Why this particular animal? Symbolism was chosen perfectly: the lion personified three key qualities of the product - the strength of the saw teeth (like a lion's claws), the flexibility of the saw blade (like the back of a lion) and the cutting speed (like the swiftness of a predator). It was a brilliant marketing move that linked the physical properties of the product with the image of the animal.

• 🦁 1847: The first logo appears on the saw blades, with the lion facing to the right and standing on the boom.
• 🏭 1850s: The emblem is beginning to be placed on corsets (metal plates in clothing) and coffee grinders.
• 🚗 1890: The first Peugeot Type 2 receives the famous emblem on the radiator.
• 🔧 1905: The lion becomes an official trademark registered in France.

⚠️ Attention: Don't confuse early Peugeot logos with the heraldry of other European dynasties. Although the lion is a popular symbol in coats of arms, in this case it is purely industrial in origin and associated with the quality of the metal rather than with a title of nobility.

Interestingly, the first Peugeot cars did not have a logo on the radiator in the form we are familiar with. The emblem was often placed on gear shift knobs or on engine parts. Only over time, when the brand became recognizable, the lion was “settled” on the nose of the car, making it a calling card. Today the company is part of the concern Stellantis, but the lion still remains the main symbol of French engineering.

Logo evolution: from realism to minimalism

Over almost 175 years of existence, the logo has undergone more than 10 major changes. If in the 19th century artists strived for maximum realism, drawing in detail the fur and muscles of the animal, then in the 20th century the style came into fashion art deco and functionalism. The Lion became more streamlined and “fast”, which was supposed to emphasize the dynamics of the cars.

In 1948, after World War II, Peugeot introduced the 203 with a new logo. The lion reared up, turned in profile and opened its mouth in a roar. This version, created by designer Louis Rower, became a classic and lasted almost 30 years. It symbolized post-war optimism and the power of a resurgent industry. In the 1960s, the lion became more “sporty”, its lines elongated, reminiscent of the rapid silhouette of a racing car.

With the advent of the digital age and computer graphics, the requirements for logos have changed. They should be clearly readable on smartphone screens, in navigation systems and on small interior parts. Therefore, in 2010, for the 200th anniversary of the company, a lion appeared, inscribed in a circle, with a metallic sheen. And in 2021, the brand switched to a completely flat, two-dimensional design, abandoning volumetric effects.

The modern version of the logo, introduced in 2021, is in the style of a shield. The lion's head has become more geometric, aggressive and youthful. Designers We tried to convey the character of the brand: demanding, involved and effective. This logo can be found on the latest models such as Peugeot 308 third generation or electric e-208.

Modern line: how to read model names

If everything is more or less clear with the logo, then the digital indices of Peugeot models can confuse an unprepared buyer. Why is one car called 208, another 3008, and the third 508? Unlike some German competitors, where the first digit indicates class, the French have their own, historically established numbering system.

Traditionally, the first digit in the model name indicates the size class of the car, and the last (most often 8) indicates the generation or series. However, in recent decades, with the advent of crossovers and SUVs, the system has become a little more complicated. Models with the index 008 have appeared, which immediately indicates that they belong to the SUV segment.

Model	Class	Description	Body type
Peugeot 108 / 208	City / B-class	Compact hatchbacks for the city	Hatchback
Peugeot 308	Golf class (C-class)	Mid-size family car	Hatchback/Station wagon
Peugeot 408	C-class+	Coupe-like sedan or fastback	Fastback
Peugeot 3008 / 5008	Crossover / SUV	SUVs of different sizes	SUV
Peugeot 508	Business class (D-class)	Flagship sedan or station wagon	Sedan/SW

It is worth noting that the number “0” in the center of the name (for example, 3008) appeared relatively recently. For a long time, the central element was zero (205, 305, 405), but then they decided to abandon it for hatchbacks, leaving it only for SUVs. This allows you to instantly identify the type of car: if the name has three digits and another zero, you have a tall car with high ground clearance.

Why is there no number 9 in the titles?

There has long been a legend that Peugeot does not use the number 9 due to patent rights of Chinese companies or superstition. In fact, the 905 existed (it's a racing prototype), and in 2023 the 9X8 concept was unveiled, which marked the beginning of a new family of racing and road cars with a nine in the name.

Technical features of cars with a lion

Peugeot cars are famous not only for their design, but also for their unique technical solutions. French engineers often go their own way, ignoring generally accepted standards. A striking example is the concept i-Cockpit, which radically changes the ergonomics of the driver's seat. This is not just marketing, but a well-thought-out system that affects safety and comfort.

The essence of the i-Cockpit lies in three components: a compact steering wheel, a high-mounted instrument panel and customizable touch switches. The steering wheel is made small not for beauty, but so that the driver can look through it on the instruments, and not on top of the rim. It takes some getting used to, but after 2-3 days of driving, most drivers notice a significant improvement in visibility and control over the car.

• 🎛️ Compact steering wheel: Improves maneuverability and frees up legroom.
• 👁️ 3D dashboard: Projection of information in three dimensions for fast data reading.
• 🔊 Acoustics Focal: Top trim levels are equipped with a premium audio system from the French Hi-Fi brand.
• ⚙️ PureTech engines: Modern turbocharged gasoline engines with high efficiency.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used Peugeot with a PureTech engine (1.2 liters), be sure to check the condition of the timing belt. It operates in an oil bath, and if low-quality oil is used or replacement intervals are not followed, it can begin to delaminate, clogging the oil pump.

Another technical feature is the suspension. The French know how to make cars that are “soft” but stable on the track. A torsion beam is often used at the rear, even in expensive models, which comes as a surprise to many. However, Peugeot has configured this beam in such a way that in terms of comfort it often surpasses the multi-link analogues of its competitors. It is the result of many years of testing on roads of varying quality, including the famous cobbled test site at Belsham.

Rare specimens: lions you didn't know about

Although the “lion on a car” association has firmly established the Peugeot brand, there have been other cars in history with similar symbols. Sometimes these were direct competitors, sometimes the result of cooperation or licensing agreements. It is important to be able to distinguish between these nuances so as not to be mistaken when identifying a rare car.

For example, in the Soviet Union, for a long time, ZIL trucks were produced, on the radiator grill of which there was an emblem vaguely reminiscent of a coat of arms or an eagle, but that’s a completely different story. However, if we talk about direct “lion’s” competitors, it is worth remembering Italian and English brands. Although the lion is the prerogative of Peugeot, other manufacturers have also used predators: the jaguar Jaguar, bull Lamborghini.

There were also special versions of Peugeot cars created by the studio. For example, Peugeot 504 in the back of a convertible from the Pininfarina studio or Peugeot 405 in T16 rally version. These cars often had unique logos or badges that are collected around the world. The Peugeot Sport racing program stands apart, where the lions won the Dakar Rally and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The model deserves special attention Peugeot Quasar 1984. This is a concept car based on a racing car that looked like a spaceship. On it, the logo was integrated into the futuristic body design. Cars like these show that the French brand has never been afraid to experiment with form and content, remaining true to its symbol.

Legal aspects and brand protection

The use of a lion on a car is protected by strict international trademark laws. Peugeot (now part of Stellantis) actively ensures that their symbol is not used by third parties without permission. This applies not only to the production of cars, but also to accessories, clothing and even digital content.

If you are planning to buy a car with a lion logo, but doubt its authenticity (for example, when buying a rare model or spare parts), pay attention to the quality of the emblem. On original parts engraving It's always clear, there's no paint sagging, and the fastenings meet factory standards. On counterfeit images, the lion often looks “tired”, with blurred contours.

In case of disputes about the right to use symbols, the courts, as a rule, side with the copyright holder if commercial use is proven. However, for private owners who want to install an original nameplate on their restored car, there are no restrictions. The main thing is that the part is original or licensed. Using a logo to disguise another brand of car (for example, sticking a lion on a Lada) can be regarded as a violation of traffic rules in terms of changing the design of the vehicle if this makes changes to the identification features.

Is it possible to legally change the logo on a car to another?

Replacing the emblem with an identical one (original for original) is permitted. Replacing with an emblem of another brand (for example, putting a lion on a Toyota) is formally a change in appearance. In most countries, this does not require registration with the traffic police if the lighting devices or dimensions are not changed. However, when selling or undergoing technical inspection, questions may arise if the car no longer corresponds to the data in the PTS (although in the PTS the brand is usually not tied to the picture on the radiator). It is recommended to keep the original parts.

What does a roaring lion mean compared to a standing lion?

At different periods in the brand's history, the lion changed its pose. The standing lion symbolized reliability and calm power. A roaring lion rearing (used most often) symbolizes aggression, speed and readiness for action. The modern logo for 2021 is a compilation where the lion is looking straight, which signifies confidence and a straight look into the future.

Is Peugeot a French brand?

Yes, Peugeot is a French car brand founded in 1810. The headquarters were historically located in Paris, and factories are located in different cities of France (Mulhouse, Sochaux, Poissy). However, since 2021, the brand has been part of the international concern Stellantis, which unites 14 brands from around the world, but the production and development of Peugeot models is still based in France.

What is the most popular Peugeot model in the world?

It is considered one of the most popular models in the history of the brand. Peugeot 205, released in over 5 million copies. In modern conditions, the bestsellers are models 208 and crossover 3008, which regularly reach the top 10 sales in Europe. The success of these models is due to a combination of design, price and technology.

Why do some old Peugeots have two lions?

In some periods (for example, in the 1930s-50s), figures of lions on the sides of the emblem could be installed on the radiator, or double symbols on the caps could be used. There were also special versions for taxis or police with enhanced symbols. However, the classic option has always been a single lion. Double lions were often a decorative element of a specific body made by a third-party studio.