When on the road or in a parking lot there is a car with an emblem where the letter V enclosed in a circle, many drivers have questions about the origin of the brand. It could be a German classic, a British classic or a modern Chinese manufacturer. The visual similarity of logos often leads to confusion, especially if you are seeing a car for the first time or the emblem is difficult to distinguish due to contamination.
Understanding what exactly brand hidden behind this symbol is important not only for overall development, but also for the correct selection of spare parts, estimating the cost of maintenance and understanding the market positioning of the vehicle. In this article we will look at the main options where the letter appears V in a circle, and learn to distinguish them.
Most often we are talking about Volkswagen, but there are also brands less known in the CIS, such as Vauxhall or VLF. It is also worth considering the many Chinese manufacturers that are actively entering the global market and using similar geometry in their logos. Let's look at each case in detail.
Legendary Volkswagen: the standard of minimalism
The most obvious and common answer to the question about a car with a logo V in a circle is Volkswagen. The German concern has been using one of the most recognizable logos in the world since the 1930s. The logo design is based on the merging of letters V and W, where the top part resembles the letter "V" and the bottom part resembles the letter "W", all inscribed in a perfect circle.
Logo evolution Volkswagen has many changes: from golden and embossed versions to modern flat 2D design, which is used on electric models of the series ID. It is important to understand that even if you only see the top of the letter or a stylized image, in 90% of cases it will be “Volkswagen”.
However, there are nuances. On some older or collectible models, the logo might look different, and on tuned versions, owners often change the nameplates to custom ones. However, the basic principle is V over W in a circle - remains unchanged for decades, making the brand recognizable anywhere in the world.
It is worth noting that for electric sub-brand models Volkswagen ID The logo has been slightly changed: it has become lighter, more open and is often equipped with backlighting, which is also a distinctive feature. If you see a glowing circle with letters inside on the front grille, this is definitely a modern electric car of this brand.
When buying a used Volkswagen, pay attention to the condition of the logo: the original emblems do not become cloudy or peel off, unlike cheap Chinese analogues.
British Vauxhall: lion and V
The second most popular option, especially if you are in the UK or considering importing cars from the islands, is Vauxhall. The logo of this brand is a stylized letter V, inscribed in a circle, but with one important difference: inside or around the letter there is often a griffin (a lion with wings) holding a flag.
Historically emblem Vauxhall changed, and at certain periods it looked like a simple letter V in a circle, which can confuse an inexperienced car enthusiast. However, if you look closely, you will notice that the lines of the letter are sharper and more aggressive than those of its German counterpart. In addition, Vauxhall is the brand's "twin brother" Opel, and technically their cars are often identical.
- 🦁 Griffin: a key element that distinguishes a logo from a simple geometric sign.
- 🇬🇧 Localization: the brand is focused primarily on the UK market.
- 🔧 Technical base: most models are based on GM or PSA (now Stellantis) platforms.
In recent years, the logo design has been simplified and the griffin has become more abstract, merging with the letter V. This is done to comply with modern trends of minimalism in auto design. If you see a car that looks like an Opel, but with an emblem in the form of a V-shaped griffin in a circle, it’s for sure Vauxhall.
Why are Vauxhall and Opel similar?
For a long time, Vauxhall was the British division of General Motors, producing the same models as the German Opel, but with a different nameplate. After the sale of Opel to the PSA group (Peugeot-Citroen), Vauxhall also came under the wing of the French concern, maintaining its identity.
Chinese brands: Venucia, Vortex and others
The Chinese auto industry market is saturated with brands using the letter V in their logos, often enclosing it in a circle or oval. One of the prominent representatives is the brand Venucia (Dongfeng-Nissan). Their logo is a stylized star or letter V, enclosed in a circle, symbolizing its origins in the Nissan Alliance.
Another example is a brand Vortex, which was assembled in Russia from Chinese Chery components. Their logo was the letter V, inscribed in an oval, reminiscent of the Hyundai logo, but with sharper corners. Although the production of these cars has been discontinued, they can still be found on the secondary market.
Also worth mentioning is the brand Venucia, which is sometimes confused with Venucia, but they are different divisions. There are many local brands in China, such as Hawtai (used a round emblem reminiscent of Hyundai) or WEY (although the logo there is vertical, it can also be mistaken for a variation of V). When buying a Chinese car, it is important to accurately identify the brand, since spare parts they may not fit other models even from the same concern.
Chinese manufacturers often change logos when restyling or entering new markets, so check the VIN code, not just the emblem.
The situation is complicated by the fact that some Chinese companies are creating sub-brands for electric vehicles with completely new symbols. For example, brand Voyah (a subsidiary of Dongfeng) uses a logo that resembles a sail or a letter V, but inscribed in a more complex geometric figure, which from afar can be mistaken for a circle.
Rare and exclusive brands: VLF and others
In the world of luxury and supercars there is also a place for the letter V. American company VLF Automotive, founded by legendary designer Bob Lutz, uses a logo with a prominent letter V. Although their cars (for example, VLF Force 1) are one-of-a-kind items, it is very rare to see them on the road.
Another option - Vencer, a Dutch supercar manufacturer. Their logo also contains a stylized V, but usually it is inscribed in a shield or complex shape, rather than in a simple circle. However, the emblem may look different on the hood or wheels. If you see a low sports car with such an emblem, this is definitely not a mass market car.
There are also historical brands that are no longer in production, but whose logos can be seen on vintage cars. For example, Veritas or Veloce. Collectors often seek original logos for restoration projects, and knowing the exact appearance of the logo is critical.
| Brand | Country | Logo description | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | Germany | V and W in a circle | Produced |
| Vauxhall | UK | V with griffin in a circle | Produced |
| Vortex | China/Russia | V in oval | Not produced |
| VLF | USA | Stylized V | Small-scale |
☑️ How to accurately identify a brand from a photo
How to distinguish a fake from the original
Car owners are often faced with the need to replace a nameplate, and here it is important not to buy a cheap replica. Original logo Volkswagen or Vauxhall has clear edges, uniform chrome coating and correct geometry. Counterfeits often suffer from “floating” edges and dull color.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing an emblem on marketplaces, pay attention to the packaging. Original spare parts are supplied in branded boxes with a catalog number, and not in a simple plastic bag.
It is also worth paying attention to the method of fastening. Original logos often have special legs for fixing in the grille holes or high-quality adhesive bases (3M). Cheap analogues can be attached with weak tape, which will fall off after the first wash.
For backlit models (eg VW ID) an important criterion is the uniformity of the glow. In fakes, individual LEDs or “dead zones” are often visible. If you are changing the logo on the electrified version, make sure the power connectors match, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Where to look for information about rare emblems
If you come across a car whose logo is not similar to any known one, use specialized resources. Car enthusiast forums, logo catalogs and VIN code databases will help shed light on the mystery. Often the unknown “V in a circle” turns out to be the logo of a tuning studio or local dealer.
It's good to know that some manufacturers change their logos for different markets. For example, in China Volkswagen sometimes uses slightly modified nameplates for joint ventures (FAW-Volkswagen or SAIC-Volkswagen), although the basis remains the same. This can add further confusion to the untrained observer.
The myth about the Volga logo
There is a persistent myth that some old Volgas (GAZ) had a logo with the letter V. In fact, the deer on the GAZ-24 grille and later stylized versions have nothing in common with the Latin V, although the shape of the antlers may resemble this letter.
In conclusion, a car with a logo V in a circle - this is most often Volkswagen, but the world of the auto industry is multifaceted. British Vauxhall, Chinese Venucia or rare American supercars VLF also claim this symbol. Careful examination of details, such as the presence of a griffin, font shape and context (country of location), will help you accurately identify the brand.
Is it possible to replace the Volkswagen logo with an LED one yourself?
Yes, it is possible, but it requires caution. You will need to remove the old nameplate (usually it is heated with a hairdryer), clean the surface, install a new backlit logo and connect the wires to the parking lights or a separate switch. It is important to maintain polarity.
Why does the Vauxhall logo look like an Opel?
Both brands belonged to the General Motors concern for a long time. Opel's logo is a "blazing arrow" and Vauxhall's is a "griffin". However, on radiator grilles they often occupy a similar position and are of similar dimensions, which creates visual confusion, especially on twin models.
What does the V mean in the Venucia logo?
In the Venucia (Dongfeng-Nissan) brand logo, the five-cornered star symbolizes quality and reliability, and the shape resembles the letter V, which is associated with Victory and speed. This is a marketing ploy to create positive associations.
Do motorcycles have V logos in a circle?
Yes, for example, from the brand Vespa (although there is more of a coat of arms with an inscription) or some Chinese scooter brands. However, in the context of a "machine" (car), this rule does not apply. Motorcycle logos are often more complex and detailed.
How to clean plaque from the logo without damaging the chrome?
Use special chrome polishes or a mild bug remover. Do not use abrasive pads or harsh acids as they may damage the paintwork or the chrome layer itself, especially on older vehicles.