Letter W is one of the most recognizable symbols in the automotive industry. It is found on the logos of manufacturers of different levels: from premium German brands to affordable Chinese brands. But what unites these companies, besides the letter in the name? And why exactly W Has it become so popular?

In this article we will analyze all car brands with W in logo, their history, key models and features that are important to know when choosing a car. You will find out which brands with this letter are worth paying attention to in 2026, and which ones are best avoided. We'll also uncover little-known facts, like why Volkswagen never officially deciphered its name, but Wuling became the top seller in China.

Let's start with the industry giants, whose cars can be found on roads around the world. These brands not only use W in logo, but also form trends in the automotive industry.

  • πŸš— Volkswagen - a German flagship with a history of more than 80 years. Logo with VW known even to those who are far from cars.
  • πŸ† W Motors is an Arab manufacturer of supercars whose models cost millions of dollars.
  • 🌏 Wuling - a Chinese brand that is part of the alliance SAIC-GM-Wuling. Leader in minivan sales in Asia.
  • πŸ”§ Weichai is a Chinese company specializing in trucks and diesel engines.
  • πŸ’‘ Wiesmann is a German niche manufacturer of sports cars with iconic design.

Each of these brands has a unique story. For example, Volkswagen was created at the direction of Hitler as a "people's car", and W Motors became the first supercar manufacturer in the Middle East. At the same time Wuling demonstrates how budget cars can conquer global markets - their minivan Hongguang Mini EV became the best-selling electric car in China in 2023.

πŸ“Š Which brand with a W in its logo are you most familiar with?
Volkswagen
Wuling
W Motors
Wiesmann
None of the above

Volkswagen: decoding the logo and secrets of success

Volkswagen - the most famous brand with W in logo. Its emblem, consisting of the letters V and W in a circle, recognizable all over the world. However, there is no official decoding of the name! The company has never confirmed that Volkswagen translated as "people's car" (Volks - people, Wagen - car). This is more of a legend than a fact.

Interesting facts about the logo:

  • πŸ”„ In 2019 VW updated the logo, making it flat and minimalistic - the first redesign in 20 years.
  • 🎨 The original 1937 logo was designed by an engineer Franz Reimspiess, inspired by Nazi symbols (which later became the cause of scandals).
  • 🌍 Today Volkswagen Group owns 12 brands, including Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini.

Among the most popular models VW in Russia:

  • Polo β€” a compact sedan, a sales leader in the budget segment.
  • Tiguan β€” a crossover that occupies top positions in terms of reliability.
  • Multivan β€” a family minivan with a convertible interior.
πŸ’‘

When buying used Volkswagen Be sure to check the history using the VIN. Many models suffer from electronic β€œdiseases”, especially pre-restyling versions Passat B6 and Golf IV.

Wuling: Chinese phenomenon with the letter W

Wuling is not just a brand, but a real phenomenon of the Chinese automobile industry. Alliance member company SAIC-GM-Wuling, specializes in affordable cars for the masses. Their logo is a stylized letter W in an oval - symbolizes the "five fortunes" (in Chinese wǔ lìng).

Main achievements Wuling:

  • πŸ“ˆ Hongguang Mini EV - the best-selling electric car in China (more than 500 thousand units sold in 2023).
  • πŸ’° Price for basic version Mini EV starts from $4,500 - cheaper than many scooters!
  • 🌎 In 2026 Wuling began exporting to Europe under the brand MG (part of the same alliance).
Model Type Price in China (2026) Features
Hongguang Mini EV Electric car from 32,000 CNY (~4,500 $) Cruising range 120–170 km, maximum speed 100 km/h
Wuling Victory Minivan from 60,000 CNY (~8,500 $) 7-seater, 1.5L petrol engine
Wuling Bingo Electric hatchback from 70,000 CNY (~10,000 $) Power reserve up to 333 km, design from GM

Attention: Wuling does not officially supply cars to Russia, but they can be purchased through β€œgray” imports. However, the warranty does not apply to such cars, and spare parts will have to be ordered from China.

W Motors: Arabian supercars with the letter W

If Wuling is accessibility, then W Motors - the complete opposite. This UAE brand creates exclusive supercars that cost millions of dollars. Company logo - stylized letter W in a golden oval - symbolizes luxury and power.

Flagship model - W Motors Fenyr SuperSport:

  • 🏎️ Accelerate to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds.
  • πŸ’ͺ Engine 3.8L twin-turbo from RUF Automobile (780 hp).
  • πŸ’° Price: from $1.4 million.
  • 🎨 Carbon fiber body, hand-assembled (25 copies produced in total).

Interesting fact: W Motors became the first supercar manufacturer in the Middle East. Their cars are bought by sheikhs, football stars and Hollywood actors. For example, Lykan HyperSport (the brand's first model) appeared in the movie "Furious 7", where Paul Walker drove it during the famous skyscraper jump scene.

How much does insurance cost for W Motors?

Insurance cost for supercars W Motors can reach 10–15% of the car price per year. For example, for Fenyr SuperSport this is about 140-200 thousand dollars annually. In addition, owners often have to pay for special storage conditions (climate control, security) and transportation (transportation only on closed trailers).

Little-known brands with W: Wiesmann and Weichai

In addition to the giants, there are also niche manufacturers with the letter W in the logo. They are not so famous, but their cars are worth attention.

Wiesmann: handmade German sports cars

Company Wiesmann from the city Dulmen (Germany) has been producing exclusive roadsters since 1988. Their logo is a stylized letter W in the shield - symbolizes the family business of the brothers Wiesmann.

Brand Features:

  • πŸ”§ All cars are assembled by hand (about 100 copies per year).
  • πŸš€ Model Wiesmann MF5 accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.
  • πŸ’” The company went bankrupt in 2013, but was revived in 2016.

Weichai: Chinese trucks and diesel engines

Weichai Power is one of the largest manufacturers of diesel engines in the world. Their logo includes the letter W as part of the name. The company supplies engines for trucks, buses and even agricultural machinery.

I wonder what Weichai owns 25% shares of the German manufacturer KION Group (brand owner Still - a leader in the production of forklifts).

How to choose a car with a W on the logo: practical tips

If you are considering purchasing a car with a W, here's what you should pay attention to:

  • πŸ” Purpose of purchase: suitable for family Wuling or Volkswagen Multivan, for speed - Wiesmann or W Motors.
  • πŸ’° Budget: cars Wuling available and W Motors requires millions of investments.
  • πŸ› οΈ Service: for Volkswagen and Wuling spare parts are easy to find, and for Wiesmann - only on order.
  • 🌍 Market: most models Wuling They are not officially sold in Russia, so you will have to register β€œgray” imports.

Check car history by VIN|

Check the availability of service centers in your city|

Estimate the cost of insurance and taxes|

Consult a lawyer for gray imports-->

⚠️ Attention: When buying Chinese cars (for example, Wuling) through intermediaries, make sure that the car meets Russian standards. Some models are not certified for use in the Russian Federation, which can lead to problems with registration with the traffic police.
Which car with a W in its logo is the most reliable?

According to ratings J.D. Power and ADAC, the most reliable models among brands with W - this is Volkswagen Tiguan (2020+) and Volkswagen Polo (restyling 2021). Chinese Wuling show good results in the first years of operation, but their durability on Russian roads has not yet been tested by time.

Is it possible to officially buy Wuling in Russia?

No, Wuling does not have official dealers in the Russian Federation. Cars of this brand can only be purchased through β€œgray” imports, which is associated with the risks of lack of warranty and problems with spare parts. Alternative - models MG (of the same alliance), which are officially sold in Russia.

How much does it cost to service a Volkswagen compared to Wuling?

Service Volkswagen in official services it costs on average 30–50% more than Chinese brands. For example, TO for VW Polo costs about 15–20 thousand rubles, whereas for Wuling Hongguang Mini EV (if spare parts are available) - 8–12 thousand rubles. However for Wuling may need to wait for parts from China.

Which cars with a W in the logo are suitable for a family?

Best family options:

  • Volkswagen Multivan β€” a spacious minivan with a transformable interior.
  • Volkswagen Tiguan β€” a reliable crossover with good safety.
  • Wuling Hongguang S3 β€” budget 7-seater minivan (only β€œgray” imports).
Where are W Motors cars made?

All supercars W Motors assembled by hand in Dubai (UAE). The company also has a design studio in Italy and a test site in Germany. Due to the limited production (no more than 25 cars per year), the waiting list for purchase can last for several years.