The emblem on the hood is the calling card of the car, its “face”, by which you can instantly identify the brand even from ten meters away. But what if you see an unfamiliar logo or want to check the authenticity of the badge before buying a used car? In this article we will look at all current car brands in 2026, we will learn to distinguish original logos from replicas and reveal the secrets of rare logos that are found on the Russian market.

Many drivers mistakenly think that the badges of all brands are unique and cannot be confused. In practice, there are brands with similar symbols (for example, Peugeot and Maserati use the image of a lion), and some manufacturers change the design of their emblems every 5–10 years. In addition, the market is full of fake badges that are visually indistinguishable from the originals. According to traffic police statistics, up to 12% of used foreign cars in Russia are sold with non-original emblems, which may indicate an accident or repainting of the body.

To avoid getting into trouble, we have collected complete database of logos with deciphering their history, hidden meanings and practical advice. And at the end of the article you will find a test on your knowledge of car brands!

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Classic European brands: from Mercedes-Benz up to Volvo

European car companies are famous for their laconic and easily recognizable logos. Most of them have centuries-old history and hidden symbols that not everyone knows about.

For example, a three-pointed star Mercedes-Benz represents the three elements (earth, water, air), where the company planned to dominate at the beginning of the 20th century. A logo BMW often mistakenly associated with a rotating airplane propeller, although in fact it is a stylized image of the Bavarian flag (blue and white sectors).

Here are the key European emblems that you will see on Russian roads:

  • 🚗 Volkswagen - stylized letters V and W in a circle (since 2020, simplified to a flat design without volume).
  • 🏎️ Audi - four intertwined rings, symbolizing the merger of four companies (Audi, DKW, Horch, Wanderer>) in 1932.
  • 🛡️ Peugeot — a lion on two legs (from 2021, the historical logo from the coat of arms of the Franche-Comté region has been returned).
  • 🦁 Alfa Romeo - a red cross on a white background (symbol of Milan) and a snake devouring a man (coat of arms of the Visconti family).

Please note: Renault appeared from 2021 new minimalistic logo — two rhombuses without an inscription. Old emblems with the brand name are still found on cars produced before 2020.

⚠️ Attention: If the machine is older than 5 years old, a new type emblem is installed (for example, a flat logo VW on a 2018 car), this may indicate that the hood was replaced after an accident. Check the history by VIN!

Japanese and Korean brands: how not to confuse them Toyota with Lexus

Asian manufacturers often use geometric shapes and stylized letters in their logos. For example, the logo Toyota consists of three ovals forming a letter T, and the icon Hyundai is a stylized letter H, symbolizing two people shaking hands (client and company).

A peculiarity of Korean brands is the frequent change of emblem designs. Yes, Kia starting in 2021, it abandoned the oval logo in favor of an abstract icon reminiscent of a handwritten signature. A Mitsubishi has been using three red diamonds for 50 years, which symbolize three diamonds (the brand name translates as “three diamonds”).

Compare similar logos in the table:

Brand Emblem Distinctive Features Year of last redesign
Toyota Three oval rings Silver color, letters TOYOTA none 1989
Lexus Stylized letter L in the oval The oval is elongated horizontally, often chrome plated 2020
Nissan Silver circle with brand name Inscription NISSAN always clear, sans serif 2020
Infiniti Curved line resembling a road No letters, only an abstract sign 2021

Life hack: if you see a car with an emblem Acura (stylized letter A in a circle), know that this is a premium division Honda, which is not officially sold in Russia. Such cars are most often imported “gray” from the USA or the UAE.

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To distinguish the original emblem Lexus from a fake, look at the mount from the back. The factory badge should have two plastic clips and a metal base, not adhesive tape.

American Giants: Ford, Chevrolet and rare brands

American automakers prefer simple and memorable logos, which are easy to read even from a great distance. For example, the logo Ford is the stylized signature of company founder Henry Ford, and the badge Chevrolet (“bow tie”) was invented by Louis Chevrolet himself in 1913.

Fun fact: logo Cadillac based on the coat of arms of French aristocrat Antoine de la Mothe, founder of Detroit. And the emblem Jeep since 2020 it has become flat, without three-dimensional letters - this is part of the company’s rebranding.

In the USA there are also brands little known in Russia that are sometimes found on the used market:

  • 🦅 Buick - three shields in a circle (symbolizing three models released in the 1930s).
  • 🏹 Dodge — ram's head (since 2010, replaced by two red stripes).
  • 🛡️ Lincoln - a rectangle with a cross inside (a stylized letter L).
  • 🚜 Ram - ram's head (a separate brand of trucks from Dodge).

If you see a car with an emblem Tesla (stylized letter T in the shield), remember: in Russia only models are officially sold Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck (from 2026). The rest of the cars of this brand were most likely imported illegally.

⚠️ Attention: There are often fake emblems on the market Ford Mustang (running horse). The original sign has clear edges and a metal base, not plastic.

Chinese cars: how to recognize Geely, Changan and others

Chinese automakers are actively entering the Russian market, and their emblems are not yet so familiar to drivers. For example, a logo Geely are six silver “waves” symbolizing the global expansion of the brand. And the emblem Changan represents a stylized letter V (from the word “victory” - victory).

Here are the key Chinese brands to remember:

  • 🌊 Geely - six horizontal lines in an oval.
  • 🏆 Changan - silver letter V with gradient effect.
  • 🛡️ Haval — stylized shield with a letter H (belongs to Great Wall Motors).
  • 🦁 BYD - three blue stripes forming a letter B (stands for “Build Your Dreams”).

Many Chinese emblems visually similar to European ones. For example, a logo Chery (stylized letter C) can be confused with Citroën, and the icon FAW (red flag) resembles the emblem Ferrari in a simplified form.

To avoid mistakes, pay attention to quality of workmanship: Genuine Chinese badges often have chrome elements and 3D effects, while fake ones look flat.

Check for hologram on the back side

Estimate the weight of the badge - the original is heavier due to the metal base

Compare the color with official photos (fake ones are often duller)

Look at the fastenings - for factory emblems they are standard, without traces of glue -->

Premium and sports brands: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche

Luxury car emblems are a work of art. They often contain coats of arms, animals and historical symbols. For example, a logo Ferrari includes a yellow shield with a black horse (symbol of the city of Modena), and the badge Lamborghini - this is a bull on a yellow background (referring to the zodiac sign of the founder Ferruccio Lamborghini).

Stands apart Porsche: Its emblem is the coat of arms of Stuttgart (the city where the headquarters is located), where the central place is occupied by a rearing stallion. Interestingly, until 1952 the logo was red, but then it was changed to black and gold.

Here are the most recognizable emblems of premium brands:

  • 🐎 Ferrari — black stallion on a yellow background with letters S and F (Scuderia Ferrari).
  • 🐂 Lamborghini - a golden bull on a black shield.
  • 🛡️ Maserati — Neptune’s trident (symbol of Bologna) on a blue and white background.
  • 🏎️ Aston Martin - winged letter A (inspired by the Egyptian god Horus).

According to Sotheby's auction, fake emblems of premium brands (especially Ferrari and Rolls-Royce) are used in 30% of used luxury car scams. To avoid being scammed, always check the emblem serial number (it must match the vehicle's VIN).

How to check the authenticity of the emblem Rolls-Royce>

The original Spirit of Ecstasy (lady with outstretched arms) pin is made from stainless steel and has a unique number engraved on the base. Counterfeits are usually made of plastic or light metal and do not have engraving. In addition, in the original the lady is tilted forward at an angle of 26°, rather than standing upright.

Retro brands and extinct brands: what do old emblems mean?

On the roads you can still find cars with emblems of brands that have not existed for a long time or have been absorbed by other companies. For example, a logo Saab (griffin's head) still adorns some cars, although production ceased in 2012.

Here are a few legendary emblems worth knowing:

  • 🦅 Saab - head of a griffin (symbol of the Swedish province of Skåne).
  • 🛡️ Pontiac - red arrow (brand closed in 2010).
  • 🚗 Oldsmobile - missile trail (production stopped in 2004).
  • 🏎️ DeLorean - stylized letter D (famous for the car from Back to the Future).

If you see a car with an emblem Hummer (stylized letter H), know: the brand was closed in 2010, but in 2020 it was revived as an electrical division GMC. New models Hummer EV have an updated logo with a green tint.

Older emblems are often counterfeited to create a "vintage" look. For example, icons Volga (deer) or Moskvich (letter M in a circle) can be found on modern cars as a tribute to nostalgia.

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If the car has the emblem of a disappeared brand (for example, Saturn or Mercury), this may mean that the car is older than 10 years or has undergone a deep restyling. Check the year of manufacture by VIN!

How to identify a car brand by its icon: step-by-step instructions

If you see an unfamiliar logo, follow this algorithm:

  1. Evaluate the shape of the icon: round emblems are typical for BMW, Mercedes, Volvo; oval - for Toyota, Ford; shields - for Ferrari, Maserati.
  2. Pay attention to the color:
    • Blue: Ford, Volvo, Hyundai.
    • Red: Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Mitsubishi.
    • Silver/chrome: Mercedes, Audi, Lexus.
  • Look for animals or symbols:
    • Leo: Peugeot, Maserati.
    • Bull: Lamborghini.
    • Horse: Ferrari, Mustang.
    • Check for the presence of the inscription: y Toyota, Nissan and Kia the brand name is often included in the logo, and BMW or Mercedes - no.

    If you cannot visually identify the brand, use mobile applications like Car Logo Quiz or Google Lens. It is enough to take a photo of the emblem, and the system will show possible options.

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    To quickly remember the emblems, play a guessing game on the road. Choose a rare brand (eg. Bugatti or Koenigsegg) and try to find its logo on the cars in the stream. This trains your visual memory!

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about car emblems

    Why does the emblem light up on some cars?

    Luminous emblems are installed on premium models (for example, Audi, BMW, Mercedes) to improve appearance. They have built-in LED elements that are activated when the doors are opened or the ignition is turned on. On budget cars, such badges are often faked using neon strips, which can lead to a short circuit.

    Is it possible to change the emblem on a car yourself?

    Yes, you can replace the icon yourself. For this you need:

    • New emblem (original or replica).
    • A plastic pick or spatula for removing the old badge.
    • Glue for car emblems (if the mount is not latched).
    • Hair dryer to soften the glue (if necessary).

    Important: when removing the old emblem, do not damage the paintwork. If there are traces of adhesive remaining under the badge, remove them with a sticker remover (such as 3M Adhesive Remover).

    What to do if the emblem falls off?

    If the badge comes off along with the mount, do not try to glue it back with tape or superglue - this will ruin the paint. Better:

    1. Order an original emblem from a dealer (cost - from 1,500 to 10,000 rubles).
    2. Buy a quality replica (for example, AliExpress or in accessory stores).
    3. Contact an auto repair shop for professional installation (especially if the mount is damaged).

    Do not ignore the absence of an emblem: without it, the car can be fined for “inconsistency of design” (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code, fine 500 ₽).

    What emblems are most often counterfeited?

    According to experts, the top 5 counterfeited logos include:

    1. Mercedes-Benz (the star is often made of plastic instead of metal).
    2. BMW (fakes have fuzzy edges of the propeller).
    3. Ferrari (the stallion looks “fat” on cheap replicas).
    4. Toyota (the ovals on the fakes are asymmetrical).
    5. Audi (rings on replicas are often glued together rather than cast as one piece).

    To verify authenticity, compare the badge with official photos on the manufacturer’s website or pay attention to the weight - the originals are heavier.

    Is it possible to drive without a badge?

    The legislation of the Russian Federation does not oblige drivers to keep emblems on their cars, so there is no fine for their absence. However, there are nuances:

    • If the emblem was removed to hide the brand (for example, to avoid theft), this may arouse suspicion from the traffic police.
    • On some premium machines (for example, Porsche) the absence of a badge reduces resale value.
    • In insurance cases, the absence of the original emblem may be a reason for refusal of payment (if the expert suspects the replacement of body parts).

    If you decide to remove the emblem, paint the mounting location in body color to avoid corrosion.