Have you ever seen a car on the road with a cross emblem on it and wondered what brand it was? The cross symbol on the logo is less common than the usual rings Audi or bow tie Mercedes-Benz, but has a deep history and is associated with legendary brands. In this article we will look at which car companies use a cross in their logo, what it means, and how not to confuse the original logo with a fake.
The cross on the car emblem is not just a design decision. It often has religious, historical or technical roots behind it. For example, one of the most famous brands with such a symbol associates its name with Christian symbolism, and another with engineering innovations of the early 20th century. But not all crosses are the same: they can differ in shape, color and even the number of rays. Next, we will look at each case in detail so that you can easily identify the brand by just the logo.
If you are planning to buy a used car with this badge or simply want to expand your knowledge about the auto industry, this article will help you avoid common mistakes. For example, did you know that some Chinese brands copy European logo designs by adding a cross to their logo? Or that one of the manufacturers with a cross on the badge specializes in military and armored vehicles? The answers are below.
1. Alfa Romeo: Italian cross and snake
The most famous car with a cross on its logo is Italian brand Alfa Romeo. Its emblem is a red cross on a white background, framed by a snake devouring a man. This design has two key components:
- 🏛️ Cross - a symbol of the city of Milan, where the company was founded in 1910. This is a reference to the coat of arms of the medieval rulers of the region.
- 🐍 The snake (Bischione) is the heraldic symbol of the Visconti family, which ruled Milan in the 14th–15th centuries. Legend has it that the snake symbolizes victory over the Saracens.
Logo Alfa Romeo underwent several changes, but the cross and snake remained unchanged. Today the emblem is made in a minimalist style: the cross has become thinner and the snake has become less detailed. Interestingly, on some older models (for example, Alfa Romeo Giulia 1960s) the cross was convex and covered with chrome.
How to distinguish the original? Often absent on fakes green background behind the snake or the cross has incorrect proportions. Also note the inscription ALFA ROMEO - on the original it is always written in a serif font.
By car Alfa Romeo after 2015, the cross on the emblem has a metallic tint rather than pure red. This will help distinguish new models from replicas.
2. AM General: American Cross and military history
A lesser known but no less interesting brand is AM General, an American manufacturer famous for its military vehicles, including the legendary Hummer H1. The company logo is red cross on blue background, enclosed in a circle. This symbol is directly related to the history of the brand:
- 🚙 Military background: The company began as a supplier of equipment to the US Army, and the cross refers to medical teams (although this is not officially confirmed).
- 🔧 Engineering approach: The cross also symbolizes the intersection of technology and reliability - key values AM General.
Today AM General produces not only military equipment, but also civilian versions Hummer (for example, Hummer EV from GMC). However, original vehicles with the cross logo are rare - they are mainly military SUVs or special modifications.
⚠️ Attention: “Civilian” ones are often sold on the secondary market Hummer with homemade emblems. Original logo AM General always has deep blue color background and clear edges of the cross without blur.
3. Zastava: Serbian cross and socialist camp
If you saw a car with red cross on a white background surrounded by ears of corn, in front of you, most likely, is the product of a Serbian company Zastava. This brand, known in the USSR as Yugo or Zastava, produced legendary models like Zastava 750 (clone Fiat 600) and Yugo.
Cross on the logo Zastava has socialist past:
- ☭ ears - a classic symbol of agriculture and industrialization, as on the coat of arms of the USSR.
- ⚙️ Cross in the center it represented the “crossing of paths” of Europe and the Balkans, as well as technological progress.
Today Zastava does not produce passenger cars (latest model Yugo rolled off the assembly line in 2008), but its cars can still be found in the countries of the former socialist camp. Logo is often confused with emblem Alfa Romeo, but Zastava cross thinner and does not have a snake.
4. Chinese brands with a cross: fakes or originals?
In recent years, Chinese cars with logos resembling a cross have appeared on the market. For example, FAW (First Automobile Works) uses a logo with stylized red cross in the center, and Changhe - a cross in a circle. However, these symbols have a different origin:
- 🇨🇳 FAW: The cross here symbolizes China's "first automobile factory" (founded in 1953) and its connection with Soviet industry.
- ⚡ Changhe: The cross refers to "energy and movement", but is often perceived as an imitation of European brands.
The main problem is confusion with Alfa Romeo. Unscrupulous sellers may stick Chinese emblems on used European cars, passing them off as originals. To avoid falling for the trick:
Inspect the emblem mount (on Chinese cars it is often plastic, on European cars it is metal)
Check the font of the inscription Alfa Romeo the letters "A" and "R" have unique serifs)
Compare the color of the cross FAW it's more orange than Alfa)
Look at the VIN code - the first characters will indicate the real manufacturer -->
If in doubt, ask service book or check the car through the database CarVertical or AutoDNA. Chinese brands with a cross are usually cheaper, but their parts and service can be more expensive.
5. Other brands with a cross: rare and forgotten
In addition to the main players, other, lesser-known companies also used the cross in the logo. Here are some examples:
| Brand | Model with a cross | Origin of the cross | Years of activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crosley | Crosley Hotshot | Stylized letter "C" in the form of a cross (designer find) | 1939–1952 |
| Steyr-Daimler-Puch | Steyr 50 | The cross as a symbol of the Austrian engineering school | 1920–1990 |
| Tatra | Tatra 87 | The cross in the ring is a reference to the Czechoslovakian coat of arms | 1897–present |
The story is especially interesting Tatra - a Czech manufacturer whose logo (a cross in a ring) is often confused with Mercedes-Benz. However, Tatra cross red and has three rays, and not four, like the German brand. These cars are rarely seen on the road, but enjoy a cult status among collectors.
Why Tatra sued Mercedes-Benz?
In the 1990s Tatra accused Mercedes in plagiarized frame and body design (model Tatra T87 1936 looked like early ones Mercedes). The trial lasted 10 years and ended in favor Tatra, but by that time the company had already gone bankrupt.
6. How not to mix up crosses: a visual guide
To quickly identify the car brand by the cross on the logo, remember the key differences:
- 🐍 Alfa Romeo: cross + snake, red color, Italian design.
- 🛡️ AM General: cross on a blue background, military style, found on Hummer.
- ☭ Zastava: cross with ears of corn, Serbian origin, old models.
- 🇨🇳 Chinese brands: The cross is often stylized to resemble European logos, but with cheap materials.
If the cross green or gold, this could be the emblem of some local tuning studio or club logo. For example, some owners Jeep or Land Rover adding crosses as a symbol of involvement in off-road communities.
⚠️ Attention: There is a fraudulent scheme on the market when cheap Chinese crossovers (for example, Chery Tiggo) glue emblems Alfa Romeo or AM Generalto sell them at a higher price. Always check VIN code and car history!
European brands with a cross (Alfa Romeo, Tatra) have metal emblems with clear engraving. Chinese and homemade - usually plastic, with blurred edges.
7. Where to buy a car with a cross: tips for choosing
If you decide to purchase a car with a cross logo, consider the following nuances:
For Alfa Romeo:
- 🔧 Look for models no older than 2015 - they have more reliable electronics (before that there were problems with
Multiair). - 💰 Budget: Alfa Romeo Giulietta (2010–2020) - from RUB 800,000, Stelvio — from 1.5 million rubles.
For AM General Hummer:
- 🛡️ Check the history - many of the cars were in military use.
- ⚡ Fuel consumption: Hummer H1 consumes up to 25 l/100 km, Hummer EV - electric, but expensive to maintain.
For Chinese brands:
- 🔍 Pay attention to the availability of service centers in your region.
- 📄 Require a full package of documents - Chinese cars are often imported through the “gray” route.
Before purchasing, be sure to check diagnostics at a service station, specializing in a specific brand. For example, Alfa Romeo requires knowledge of Italian electronics, and Hummer - American suspension.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable car with a cross on its logo?
Leading among modern models Alfa Romeo Stelvio (2017–present) with gasoline engine 2.0 Turbo. It combines Italian design and a relatively reliable platform Giorgio (developed together with Maserati). Stands out from old cars Alfa Romeo 156 (1997–2007) with diesel 2.4 JTD — with proper care, runs 300,000+ km.
Is it possible to put a logo with a cross on any car?
Technically yes, but this can lead to problems:
- 📜 Legal risks: use of other people's logos (for example, Alfa Romeo) infringes trademark rights without permission.
- 🚨 Fines: in Russia, forgery of logos can be fined under Art. 14.10 Code of Administrative Offenses (up to 50,000 rubles).
- 🔧 Technical problems: Self-adhesive emblems may damage the paintwork when removed.
If you want to style your car, you better order custom logo from the designer.
Why on some Alfa Romeo no snake on the logo?
The snake is missing from sports models (for example, Alfa Romeo 4C) and some concept cars. This is done to simplify the design. Also on emblems for racing teams (eg Alfa Romeo Racing in Formula 1) they often use only a cross and an inscription QUADRIFOGLIO (symbol of the sports department).
Where are cars with a cross made today?
Current production sites:
- 🇮🇹 Alfa Romeo: main plant in Cassino (Italy), some models are assembled in Poland.
- 🇺🇸 AM General: plant in South Bend (Indiana, USA), but civilian Hummer is now releasing GMC.
- 🇨🇳 Chinese brands: FAW - in Changchun, Changhe - in Jingzhou.
How much does the original cross emblem cost?
Prices for original emblems (2026):
- Alfa Romeo: 3,000–8,000 rub. (depending on the model and material - plastic or metal).
- AM General: 5,000–12,000 rub. (rarity and military background increase the value).
- Zastava: 1,000–3,000 rub. (on the secondary market, new ones are not produced).
On Avito or eBay You can find cheap replicas (from 500 rubles), but they often differ in color and quality.