The V logo on a car: which brands use it and what does it mean?

Have you ever noticed a car with an emblem in the form of a stylized letter? «V»** and wondered what brand this is? This logo is less common than the usual “rings” Audi or "horse head" Ferrari, but behind it are legendary brands with a rich history. From premium sedans to race cars, the letter “V” can denote both luxury and sportiness.

In this article we will look at all car brands that use letter V logo, we’ll tell you about their features and tell you how not to confuse the original with a fake. You will also find out which models with this emblem are considered the most reliable, and which are the most problematic on the secondary market. And yes, it's not only Volkswagen!

Which car brands use the "V" logo?

Let's start with the most obvious: most people associate the letter "V" with Volkswagen. However, this symbol is also found among other manufacturers - and with completely different positioning. Here's the full list:

• 🚗 Volkswagen (VW) - the most famous brand with the “VW” emblem in a circle, where “V” stands for “Volks” (people) and “W” for “Wagen” (car).
• 🏁 Vauxhall - British brand (part of Stellantis), whose logo is stylized as a heraldic shield with the letter “V” in the middle.
• 💎 Vector Motors - American manufacturer of exclusive supercars (1970–1990s), whose emblem was a stylized “V” in an oval.
• 🔧 Venturi is a French company specializing in electric cars and racing prototypes (logo: “V” with lightning).
• 🏍️ Victory Motorcycles - motorcycles, but their logo (winged "V") is sometimes confused with car brands.

The most common ones on the roads are, of course, Volkswagen and Vauxhall. The remaining brands are either niche or no longer produce production cars. For example, Vector Motors today exists only as a collectible brand, and Venturi focused on electrical records (their car Venturi VBB-3 set a world speed record for electric vehicles - 576 km/h!).

Volkswagen: the evolution of the logo and what the letter “V” hides

Logo Volkswagen - one of the most recognizable in the world. He appeared in 1937 along with the founding of the company on the orders of Adolf Hitler (yes, the history of the brand is closely connected with Nazi Germany). Initially, the emblem was made in the form of a stylized sign SS (Schutzstaffel), but later transformed into neutral “VW” in a circle.

Today the logo went through 10 official redesigns. The most noticeable changes:

• 🔹 1967 — a blue border appeared, symbolizing the sky and freedom.
• 🔹 2000 — transition to 3D effect (cancelled in 2019 in favor of flat design).
• 🔹 2020 — a minimalistic logo without volume, adapted for digital media.

Few people know, but the original Volkswagen logo was designed by an engineer Franz Xavier Reimspiess - the same one who designed the Beetle (Type 1). The emblem was originally supposed to be associated with the “people's car” (Volks-Wagen), but after the war the brand rethought its heritage.

Why was the VW logo associated with Nazism?

In the 1930s and 1940s, the Volkswagen plant worked for the needs of the Wehrmacht, producing military equipment (for example, the Schwimmwagen amphibian). After the war, the brand was relaunched under the control of the British occupation authorities, and the logo was cleared of political connotations.

Vauxhall: British "V" which is confused with Opel

If you have seen a car with an emblem like heraldic shield and letter "V"most likely this is Vauxhall - a British brand that is part of the concern Stellantis (formerly General Motors). Interestingly, in continental Europe the same models are sold under the brand Opel, but with a different logo (lightning in a ring).

History of the logo Vauxhall goes to 19th century: the letter “V” refers to the surname of the company’s founder - Alexander Wilson (Wilson), and the shield symbolizes strength and reliability. Today the brand is positioned as the “British Opel”, but has its own unique models, for example:

• 🚘 Vauxhall Astra — compact hatchback, analogue Opel Astra, but with right-hand drive.
• 🚙 Vauxhall Corsa - a subcompact popular in the UK as a first car.
• 🚐 Vauxhall Vivaro - commercial van, twin Peugeot Expert and Citroën Jumpy.

The main difference between Vauxhall and Opel — front end design (radiator grille, headlights) and suspension tuning for British roads. At the same time, they have common spare parts and platforms, which simplifies repairs.

Exclusive brands with the letter “V”: Vector and Venturi

If Volkswagen and Vauxhall - mass brands, then Vector and Venturi belong to the category of “supercars for the elite”. Their cars are extremely rare, but they leave a vivid impression.

Vector Motors (USA):

• 🚀 Founder - Gerald Wiegert, former engineer Boeing.
• 💰 The most famous model is Vector W8 (1989–1993), cost $450 000 (at that time!).
• 🔥 Engine - 6.0 V8 twin-turbo (620 hp), acceleration to 100 km/h for 3.9 s.

Venturi (France):

• ⚡ Specializes in electric cars and racing prototypes.
• 🏆 Model Venturi VBB-3 set a speed record for electric vehicles - 576 km/h (2016).
• 🌍 Today the brand belongs to the Monegasque prince Albert II and is involved in projects in the field of sustainable mobility.

These stamps are of interest to collectors and enthusiasts, but are almost impossible to find on the secondary market. For example, Vector W8 was released in just 22 copies, and today its price at auctions reaches $1–1.5 million.

How to distinguish the original “V” emblem from a fake?

Counterfeit emblems are a common problem in the aftermarket. Fraudsters can re-paint badges to pass off a cheap car as a premium one or hide its real history. Here 5 signs of a fake:

1. 🔍 Fastening quality: original emblems VW or Vauxhall are secured with latches or screws rather than double-sided tape.
2. 🎨 Color and material: y Volkswagen the logo is chrome (on new models) or matte plastic (on old ones), Vauxhall - metal shield with enamel.
3. 📏 Size and proportions: Compare with official photos - fakes often have distorted letters or incorrect fonts.
4. 🔖 Inscriptions on the reverse side: Original emblems may be engraved with the part code (eg 5G0 853 701 A for VW).
5. 💡 Backlight: on some models VW (for example, Golf R) the logo is highlighted - check the operation of this function.

If in doubt, use VIN verification services (for example, CarVertical or AutoDNA). They will show the original equipment of the car, including emblems.

The most reliable and problematic models with the “V” logo

If you're considering buying a car with a "V" badge, it's important to know which models to choose and which to avoid. We analyzed the data ADAC (German Automobile Club) and owner reviews for 2020–2026.

Brand	Reliable model	Problem model	Typical faults
Volkswagen	Golf 7 (2013–2020)	Tiguan 1 (2007–2016)	Threshold corrosion, problems with DSG-7 (jerky when switching)
Vauxhall	Astra K (2015–2021)	Insignia A (2008–2017)	Oil leaks from under the valve cover, weak electronics
Vector	—	W8 (1989–1993)	Engine overheating, problems with turbines, shortage of spare parts

Selection advice: If you need a reliable car with the "V" logo, take a look at Volkswagen Golf 7 with gasoline engine 1.4 TSI (150 hp) or Vauxhall Astra K with diesel 1.6 CDTi. These models are distinguished by their balanced price and low maintenance costs.

Legal nuances: is it possible to drive with a non-original emblem?

Replacing the emblem on a car is a seemingly harmless task. But from a legal point of view, there are pitfalls here. According to Traffic rules of the Russian Federation (clause 7.18), it is prohibited to make changes to the design of the vehicle unless they are certified. This also applies to logos if:

• ⚖️ The emblem closes VIN number or PTS details (for example, on the frame or body).
• ⚖️ Replacing the logo is misleading regarding the brand of the car (for example, a sticker VW on Skoda).
• ⚖️ The emblem is attached in a permanent way (welding, riveting), which is considered a change to the body.

Penalties for such changes:

• 📋 500–1,000 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation) - for uncoordinated changes.
• 📋 5,000 rubles or deprivation of rights to 1–3 months — if the changes hide identification numbers.

⚠️ Attention: If you buy a car with a replacement emblem (for example, Vauxhall, converted to Opel), require documents confirming the legality of such changes. Otherwise, you will have to return the original emblem before registering with the traffic police.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about machines with the “V” logo

🔹 Why don’t some Volkswagens have the letter “V” on their emblem?

C 2019 Volkswagen began to simplify the logo, removing volume and edging. On new models (for example, ID.4 or Golf 8) the emblem may look like a flat “VW” without a circle. Also on some sports versions (eg Golf R) the logo is highlighted in blue.

🔹 Is it possible to put a Vauxhall emblem on an Opel and vice versa?

Technically yes, as many models Vauxhall and Opel identical. However, this can cause problems when passing inspection or selling the car. In addition, the grille design of these brands is often different, and the emblem may look inorganic.

🔹 How much does an original Volkswagen emblem cost?

The price depends on the model:

• Front emblem (illuminated) — 8,000–15,000 rubles.
• Rear emblem (trunk) — 3,000–6,000 rubles.
• Emblem on the steering wheel — 5,000–10,000 rubles.

There are many fakes on the market (especially from China), so buy only from authorized dealers or trusted suppliers.

🔹 Which cars with the “V” logo are the rarest?

Top 3 rarest models:

1. Vector WX-3 (1993) - released in circulation 7 copies.
2. Venturi Atlantique 300 (1990) — 25 copies.
3. VW XL1 (2013) - hybrid with consumption 0.9 l/100 km, released in circulation 250 pieces.

🔹 Why is the letter “V” crossed out on some cars?

Crossed out “V” – logo Volvo (Swedish brand), not Volkswagen. This is a common mistake. Symbol Volvo stands for iron (the chemical symbol Fe with a diagonal stroke) and symbolizes the strength of the brand. The confusion arises due to the similar sounding names.