Two ticks down on the hood: which car's logo and what does it mean?

Have you ever seen a car on the road with an emblem in the form of two curved lines pointing downwards? This unusual logo often raises questions among car enthusiasts, especially those who are just beginning to understand car brands. Unlike the usual four rings Audi or silver star Mercedes-Benz, the symbol with two "checkmarks" is not so easy to identify at first glance.

In fact, this emblem belongs to one of the most famous (but often underrated) Japanese automakers. Its history goes back decades, and cars with this sign were famous for their reliability, innovations in engineering solutions and... unexpected marketing moves. In this article we will not only reveal the name of the brand, but also tell you why does the logo look this way?, which models wore it, and how not to confuse the original with fakes on the secondary market.

Spoiler: it's not about Toyota or Honda, although these brands are also Japanese. You will also find out how this emblem is connected with... the first production electric car of the 1990s, which was 20 years ahead of its time. But first things first.

What car is hidden behind the logo with two ticks down?

The answer is simple: this is the company logo Mitsubishi Motors. Two curved lines pointing downwards, forming something like a stylized "M", have been the brand's signature since the 1970s. Moreover, the logo itself has deep symbolism:

• 🔴 Three diamonds - the main element of the logo Mitsubishi (Japanese "Mitsubishi" literally translates as "three diamonds"). The two swooshes down are the top of the diamond triangle, which is also present on the full version of the logo.
• 🔵 Connection to history: company Mitsubishi was founded in 1870 as a shipping company, and diamonds symbolized reliability, honesty and business success.
• 🟢 Evolution of design: The modern simplified logo (without the full triangle) appeared in the 1980s when the brand decided to make the emblem more concise for cars.

Interestingly, many people mistakenly associate these “checkmarks” with Renault (their logo also looks like a rhombus, but with different proportions) or even Citroën (double chevron). However, Mitsubishi the lines are smoother and curved, and the sign itself is usually red - as opposed to silver Renault.

If you look closely, the full emblem Mitsubishi (with three diamonds) is still used on corporate buildings and in official documents, and on cars only its upper part remains - those same two ticks. This was done for better readability on small surfaces, such as the steering wheel or keys.

On which Mitsubishi models can this logo be seen?

The emblem with two ticks down has adorned (and adorns) dozens of models Mitsubishi - from compact hatchbacks to full-size SUVs. Here are the key cars that are definitely worth remembering:

Model	Years of production	Body type	Features
Mitsubishi Lancer	1973–2017	Sedan, hatchback	Iconic model with version Evolution - rally legend
Mitsubishi Pajero	1982–2021	SUV	Dakar Rally winner, one of the most reliable frame SUVs
Mitsubishi Outlander	2001–present	Crossover	The brand's first hybrid crossover (since 2013)
Mitsubishi i-MiEV	2009–2021	Hatchback	First production electric car of the modern era (before Tesla Model S)
Mitsubishi ASX	2010–present	Crossover	Budget alternative to Outlander, popular in Europe

It is especially worth highlighting Mitsubishi i-MiEV — this small electric car was a real breakthrough. It went on sale in 2009, for 4 years until Tesla Model S, and was the first electric car that you could buy “from the showroom” (and not remake it yourself, as before). Of course, in terms of power reserve (only 160 km) it was inferior to modern cars, but for its time it was a revolutionary step.

Why didn't Mitsubishi i-MiEV become popular?

Despite the innovations, the model suffered from low power (67 hp), long charging times (7 hours from a home outlet) and a high price - about $40,000 in 2010. In addition, the brand was unable to build a developed network of charging stations, unlike Tesla.

If you see a car on the road with two tick marks down, it is most likely one of the models listed. At the same time, on old cars (before the 2000s), the emblem could be chrome, while on new cars it could be red or black, depending on the configuration.

How to distinguish an original Mitsubishi emblem from a fake?

On the secondary market, you often find cars with “left” badges - especially if the car has been in an accident or was restored after theft. Here's what to pay attention to so as not to run into a fake:

⚠️ Attention: The most frequently counterfeited emblems are for Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution and Pajero - these models are popular with tuners and are often dismantled for spare parts.

• 🔍 Fastening quality: The original sign is attached with two or three snaps (depending on the model), rather than with glue or a single screw.
• 🎨 Color and material: This emblem is a deep red color (not dull) and is coated with a protective varnish. Counterfeits are often faded or have rough edges.
• 📏 Dimensions and proportions: the distance between the “checkmarks” must be strictly symmetrical. On fakes, the lines are often crooked or of different lengths.
• 🔖 Inscription on the back: The original usually has an engraving with a part code (for example, MR986847 for the logo Outlander).

Another way to check is to inspect the badge mount on the hood. U Mitsubishi original emblems are usually installed on special “legs” that fit into the holes in the body. If instead you see traces of glue or screws, this is a reason to be wary.

If you are buying a car secondhand, it is also worth checking the VIN code through services like carfax.com or autocheck.ru. There have been cases when scammers interrupted the VIN and put emblems Mitsubishi for completely different cars (for example, Chinese clones).

Interesting facts about the Mitsubishi logo that you didn't know

The symbol with two ticks down is not just decoration. Here are some little-known details about its history and significance:

1. Connection with samurai: company founder Mitsubishi, Yataro Iwasaki, was a descendant of a samurai family. The three diamonds in the logo refer to his family's coat of arms - three diamonds symbolizing water, earth and sky.
2. Logo on airplanes: during World War II Mitsubishi produced famous fighters Zero, on which this sign was also applied. After the war, the company was forced to temporarily abandon diamonds in the logo due to associations with military equipment.
3. Record in space: in the 1980s Mitsubishi supplied equipment for Japanese satellites, and its logo (in the form of three diamonds) became the first commercial symbol to be in orbit.
4. Dispute with Renault: in the 1990s Renault tried to challenge the logo patent Mitsubishi, arguing that their diamond is too similar. The court sided with the Japanese, since their mark was registered 20 years earlier.

By the way, if you see the emblem Mitsubishi on equipment not related to cars - for example, on air conditioners or elevators - this is not a fake. Company Mitsubishi Electric and other divisions of the holding also use this logo, sometimes in a modified form.

Another interesting fact: in Japan the logo Mitsubishi often associated with luck. Many businessmen hang signs with three diamonds in their offices, considering them a talisman of success. Perhaps this is why the brand’s cars serve their owners for so long!

Where else can you find the Mitsubishi logo (not on cars)?

Holding Mitsubishi Group - it's not just cars. Its divisions operate in dozens of industries, and the diamond logo (or variations thereof) can be seen in the most unexpected places:

• ⚡ Energy: company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries builds nuclear reactors and wind turbines. Their logo is the same three diamonds, but in blue.
• 📱 Electronics: brand Mitsubishi Electric produces projectors, air conditioners and industrial robots. Their logo is often red, like a car section.
• ✈️ Aviation: Mitsubishi Aircraft Corporation develops passenger aircraft (eg Mitsubishi SpaceJet). The logo there is stylized to resemble an aviation theme.
• 🏗️ Construction: Mitsubishi Estate erects skyscrapers (including one of the tallest in Tokyo - Mitsubishi Ichigokan).

If you see three diamonds on home appliances or industrial equipment, it does not mean that the product is made by the same division that makes the machines. However, all companies in the group adhere to common quality standards, so the equipment Mitsubishi (not even a car one) usually lasts for decades.

In Russia, the logo with two ticks down is most often associated with cars, but in Japan it is known as a symbol of an entire industrial empire. Perhaps this is why the brand’s cars are so popular among those who value reliability and durability.

What to do if the emblem on your Mitsubishi is damaged?

If the sign on your car is scratched, cracked, or falling off, it can be replaced. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Determine the model and year of manufacture car - the type of emblem mounting depends on this. For example, on Mitsubishi Lancer X (2007–2017) the sign is attached to three latches, and Outlander XL - on two.
2. Order an original part from an official dealer or in a trusted online store (for example, exist.ru or emex.ru). The emblem item number can be found in the catalog by VIN code.
3. Prepare your tools: You will need a plastic puller (to avoid scratching the paint), a flathead screwdriver, and a hair dryer (if the sign is glued).
4. Remove the old emblem:

   1. Heat the attachment point with a hairdryer (if the sign is on glue).
   2. Pry the puller on the side and gently pull up.
   3. Remove any remaining adhesive with a solvent (eg white spirit).

5. Install a new logo, aligning the latches with the holes. If the mount is adhesive, use special automotive glue (for example, 3M 08008).

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport) the emblem is attached to a threaded rod. In this case, you will need a 10 mm wrench - do not try to remove the sign by force, so as not to break the fastening!

The cost of the original emblem varies from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles, depending on the model. Counterfeits can be found cheaper (from 500 rubles), but they often fade in the sun or fall off after a year.

The future of the Mitsubishi logo: what will change in the new models?

In the 2020s Mitsubishi Motors is undergoing a transformation: the brand has focused on crossovers, hybrids and electric cars, abandoning sedans and hatchbacks. This is reflected in the logo design:

• 🚗 New style: from 2021 on concept cars (e.g. Mitsubishi XFC) the emblem became flat and minimalistic, without volume. This is part of a "rebranding" strategy to attract a younger audience.
• 🔋 Focus on electric vehicles: on hybrid and electric models (e.g. Outlander PHEV) the logo is sometimes highlighted in blue, the color of eco-technology.
• 🌍 Global unification: the company strives for a single corporate identity in all countries, therefore it refuses local variations of the logo (for example, in some Asian countries the color green was previously used).

I wonder what Mitsubishi does not plan to completely abandon the red color in the logo - it remains key for the brand. However, designers are experimenting with gradients and 3D effects to make the sign more modern.

For example, in concept Mitsubishi e-Evolution (2017) the emblem was made in the form of a luminous projection on the radiator grille - without a physical sign. Perhaps in the future we will see such solutions on production machines.

However, the two ticks down will remain a recognizable brand symbol - even if their visual design changes. Just like the cars themselves Mitsubishi, which, despite all the transformations, continue to be associated with reliability and innovation.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the Mitsubishi logo

Why is the Mitsubishi logo sometimes confused with Renault?

Both logos are diamond shaped, but Renault the lines are straight and form a closed rhombus, and Mitsubishi - two curved “checkmarks” pointing down. Besides Renault usually silver or black, and Mitsubishi - red.

On which Mitsubishi cars the emblem was not red?

On some older models (pre-1990s), the badge may have been silver or black - e.g. Mitsubishi Sigma or earlier versions Pajero. Also, blue or white colors are sometimes used on concept cars.

Is it possible to paint a cracked emblem instead of replacing it?

Technically yes: you can sand out small cracks and cover the sign with car varnish (for example, Motip Clear Lacquer). However, this is a temporary solution - after 1-2 years the varnish will begin to turn yellow. For long-term results, it is better to buy a new emblem.

Why did Mitsubishi remove the full three diamond logo from their cars?

In the 1980s, the brand simplified the emblem for cars, leaving only the top part (two swooshes) so that it would look better on small surfaces (steering wheel, keys, hood). The full logo with three diamonds remained on corporate symbols and trucks.

Where are emblems for Mitsubishi made?

The original signs are made in Japan (factory in the city of Okazaki) and Thailand (for models assembled there, for example, Mitsubishi Triton). Counterfeits are usually brought from China - they can be identified by the low quality of plastic and inaccurate drawing of lines.