When a car enthusiast sees an unfamiliar symbol on the hood or radiator grille, consisting of three elements resembling ticks or arrows, a natural question arises about the ownership of the car. There are many manufacturers around the world who use geometric shapes to represent their philosophy. Most often, the Japanese giant is hidden under the request “three ticks”. Mitsubishi, whose logo is one of the most recognizable in the history of the industry.
However, visual perception can be deceiving, and other companies also use a three-part composition. These could be three stars, three lions or three rays, which at a quick glance or in motion are interpreted as checkmarks. Understanding the origins of these symbols helps not only to identify the brand, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the engineering history behind a particular vehicle.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the main brands whose emblems can be mistakenly or correctly mistaken for three check marks. We will look at the historical context, technical features and meaning invested by the creators in these graphic signs.
Mitsubishi phenomenon: three diamonds instead of ticks
The undisputed leader in associations for the request “three ticks” is the company Mitsubishi Motors. The Japanese conglomerate's logo consists of three red diamonds connected at the top. Statically, these figures can indeed resemble three ticks pointing upward or to the sides, especially if viewed schematically. The brand name translated from Japanese means “three diamonds”, which fully corresponds to the image.
The history of this symbol goes back to the 19th century, when two family clans merged. The first family, the Iwaasakis, used an emblem of three diamonds stacked on top of each other. The second family, the Tosa, owned a coat of arms with three oak leaves arranged in a fan. As a result of the merger, the famous emblem, which has not changed since then, which is rare in the automotive world.
Today cars Mitsubishi, such as Outlander, Pajero or L200, can be found on roads around the world. Their logo has become a symbol of reliability and maneuverability. It is important to note that red diamonds on a silver background are not just decor, but a unique combination that no other major automaker in the world uses.
Owners of these cars are often proud of the brand's history, which originates not only in the automotive industry, but also in shipbuilding, aviation and heavy engineering. This diversification allows the company to introduce advanced technologies from related industries into the production of passenger cars.
Mercedes-Benz: three rays of excellence
Another giant whose emblem can sometimes be mistaken for a variation on the three-element theme is Mercedes-Benz. Although the classic logo of the German brand is a three-pointed star in a circle, from a certain angle or in a stylized image the rays can be read as three diverging ticks. This symbol was registered back in 1909 and has since become synonymous with luxury and engineering excellence.
Each of the three rays of the star has its own symbolic meaning. Company founder Gottlieb Daimler envisioned that his company's engines would dominate land, sea and air. Thus, versatility the use of technology was embedded in the logo itself. This is not just a beautiful picture, but a declaration of the ambitions of Stuttgart engineers.
Modern models, whether compact A-Class or flagship S-Class, bear this famous sign. In recent years, the logo design has become flatter and more minimalistic, especially in the electric line. EQ, where the black background and chrome edges create a volume effect that is easily confused with the direction of movement.
It is worth noting that Mercedes-Benz often experiments with the presentation of the logo. On concept cars you can see luminous versions of the sign or projections onto the asphalt. Such adaptability brand allows it to remain relevant to new generations of drivers, while maintaining a connection to its rich heritage.
Why is the Mercedes-Benz star not always the same size?
The size of the radiator grille star may vary depending on the model and year of manufacture. On AMG sports versions the star is often larger and has a more aggressive spoke design, while on executive sedans it can be more subdued and flatter. There are also special versions for markets in different countries, where the requirements for logo proportions may differ.
Peugeot and three lions: the evolution of heraldry
French stamp Peugeot also has periods in its history when three elements were present in the logo. Although now we are accustomed to seeing one roaring lion, the emblem has changed in different eras. In particular, the coat of arms of the city of Montbéliard, where the company’s founders are from, depicts two lions, but in some historical interpretations and logos of the group’s subsidiaries, compositions with three figures can be found.
However, if we are talking specifically about the “three ticks” in the context of Peugeot, we are talking about a stylized image of the claws or teeth of a lion in earlier versions of logos from the early 20th century. The French approach to design has always been characterized by a penchant for heraldry and complex symbols, which over time have been simplified beyond recognition.
The modern Peugeot logo is a lion's head in profile, made in a strict geometric style. Despite the lack of obvious "three ticks", the dynamic lines of the animal's muzzle create a sense of speed and aggression. This is an example of how evolution brand leads to the abandonment of unnecessary details in favor of brevity.
Peugeot owners often note the French charm and unusual design solutions in the interior and exterior. The logo on the radiator grille becomes the final chord, emphasizing the individuality of the car. The history of the company, which began with the production of mills and coffee grinders, adds uniqueness to the brand.
Comparison table of car brands
To systematize the information and understand the difference between brands whose logos contain three elements or can be mistaken for such, consider a comparison table. It will help you quickly identify the manufacturer based on key features.
| Brand | Country | Logo elements | Year of foundation of the auto department |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi | Japan | Three red diamonds | 1970 |
| Mercedes-Benz | Germany | Three-pointed star | 1926 |
| Peugeot | France | Lion (historically coat of arms) | 1891 |
| Subaru | Japan | Six stars (Pleiades) | 1953 |
When purchasing a used car, pay attention to the condition of the logo. Original emblems of high-quality brands do not fade or come off even after 10 years of use, unlike cheap analogues.
Other brands with complex symbols
The world of automotive manufacturing is not limited to just three giants. There are a number of lesser-known or niche manufacturers whose logos contain multiple elements. For example, Chinese brands often use stylized "V" or "W" letters, which can be arranged into swoosh-like compositions. Also worth mentioning Subaru, whose emblem consists of six stars, but at a quick glance can be perceived as a group of several elements.
Sometimes “three ticks” are the name given to tuning nameplates or stickers that owners put on cars to give them a sporty look. Such decorative elements have no relation to the factory equipment, but create a certain visual style. It is important to be able to distinguish factory symbols from aftermarket tuning.
There are also logos with three stripes, like Adidas (although this is not a car brand, elements of style penetrate into car design) or on some models BMW M-series where three colors (light blue, dark blue, red) are arranged in stripes. These colors symbolize the tracks on which the races were held and are part of DNA sports department.
Understanding these nuances helps you avoid getting into trouble when discussing cars among enthusiasts. Knowing the history of the logo is a sign of good form for any car enthusiast who respects driving culture.
☑️ How to check the authenticity of a logo
Psychology of perception of automobile logos
Why are we so interested in "three ticks"? The psychology of form perception plays a huge role in marketing. Sharp upward angles are associated with progress, forward movement and aggressiveness. That is why many sports brands choose similar forms. Visual code is read by the brain in a split second even before we are aware of the brand name.
Triangular shapes and three-element compositions create a sense of stability and balance. Three points is the minimum number of elements to create a plane. Automotive designers use these principles to instill in the buyer the sense of security and control that is critical to a vehicle.
The color scheme also matters. The red color of Mitsubishi speaks of passion and energy, the silver color of Mercedes speaks of technology and the coldness of metal, the blue color of Subaru speaks of reliability and the sky. The combination of shape and color creates the same image, for which buyers are willing to overpay.
In the age of electrification, logos are becoming even more abstract. Luminous contours and dynamic backlighting replace static metal badges. This is a new stage in the evolution of automotive symbolism, where “checkmarks” can turn into digital pixels.
⚠️ Attention: When restoring a car or replacing body elements (hood, radiator grill), make sure that the holes for the logo mounts match the original ones. For different generations of models of the same brand, the emblem attachment points may differ, which will require drilling new holes or using adapters.
How to care for your car emblem
The logo on a car is constantly exposed to the external environment: ultraviolet radiation, reagents, stones and high-pressure washers. In order for the “three ticks” or any other symbol to retain its appearance, they need proper care. Chrome elements may fade over time, and painted plastic elements may fade.
It is not recommended to use aggressive chemicals or hard brushes to clean emblems. It is best to use special chrome care sprays or soft microfiber with car shampoo. Particular attention should be paid to the edges of the sticker, where dirt often accumulates and peeling begins.
If you notice that the logo is starting to peel off, don't ignore it. Moisture getting under the emblem can lead to corrosion of the body metal. In this case, it is better to carefully remove the element, degrease the surface and re-glue it with a special automotive sealant or double-sided tape. 3M VHB.
There are also protective coatings, such as liquid glass or ceramics, that can be applied to logos. They create an additional hydrophobic layer that facilitates washing and protects against minor scratches. This is especially true for black glossy emblems, on which every defect is clearly visible.
Preserving the original appearance of the logo is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a way to protect the body from corrosion at the place where the emblem is attached.
Why does the Mitsubishi logo consist of three diamonds?
The three diamonds symbolize the company's three principles: responsibility for success, integrity in trading and service to the community. It is also a tribute to the two founding families, whose coats of arms were combined into one symbol.
Is it possible to replace the logo on the hood yourself?
Yes, in most cases, emblems are attached with double-sided tape or plastic clips. However, care is required not to damage the paintwork when removing the old element. It is recommended to warm up the emblem with a hairdryer before dismantling.
Are there fake logos with three checkmarks?
Yes, there are many replicas available in the market, especially for the popular Mitsubishi and Mercedes models. They may differ in the quality of materials, shade of color and accuracy of geometry. Original spare parts always bear the manufacturer's markings.
What does the red color of the Mitsubishi diamonds mean?
The color red in Japanese culture symbolizes sincerity and honesty. In addition, it attracts attention and makes the logo visible even from a long distance or in poor visibility conditions.