Design Details: Automotive Logos Edition

"Amoore100" (amoore100) 04/07/2016 at 22:14 • Filed to: Design Details, Logos, Citroen, Peugeot

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Last week on Design Details I asked about typefaces used in model name designations. Today we look at another important detail which can determine a car or a brand’s entire image. From individual model badges to manufacturer badges, the logo is what many associate as the symbol of a certain car or brand.

I have always appreciated the heritage of the Peugeot lion.

Likewise, the simple and elegant nature of the Citroen double chevron.

So what do you think Oppo?

What are the best/worst/most distinctive logos in the automotive world?

(P.S. - Don’t forget individual logos such as the Toyota MR2 and the like!)

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:16

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Things like AMG and ///M are definitely what I would consider the most distinctive and my least favorite are the Genesis and Equus word badges, I think they were such an afterthought.

TheHondaBro > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 04/07/2016 at 22:18

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Afterthought you say?

Chariotoflove > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:20

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I like my crest with the wreath.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:21

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Some of my favourites:

Hyundai Equus

Rover

Frontenac

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:21

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I dig the Korean Kia logo. So much better than the one the put on our cars over here IMO.

ranwhenparked > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:22

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Qoros has one of the worst. A “Q” is way too unimaginative, plus it looks like a freaking word bubble or something.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:25

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Nissan Stagea I’m a massive fan of

And Toyota because of this....

Amoore100 > ranwhenparked 04/07/2016 at 22:26

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Oh, for sure. I forgot they existed to be honest, and this badge doesn’t really make me glad to remember them despite the car being rather handsome.

Amoore100 > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 04/07/2016 at 22:27

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Agreed, although personally I think it needs a vertical line, otherwise it’s not immediately evident that it’s a ‘K’.

Amoore100 > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/07/2016 at 22:29

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I actually really like the Equus, and that logo reminds me that I should do hood ornaments next week! (Google Equus hood ornament to see what I’m talking about.) I have always loved the Rover logo as well, such a lineage behind that storied name. And who can deny the awesomeness of the maple leaf on the Frontenac!

Plus, look at that grille!

Amoore100 > Chariotoflove 04/07/2016 at 22:30

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But ducks!

Amoore100 > Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna 04/07/2016 at 22:32

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Speaking of performance division logos, how about Volvo’s newly acquired Polestar?

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Yeah, I have never liked the Genesis logo either, too much of a knock off.

I kinda like the Equus logo though, mainly because it’s devoid of words.

twochevrons > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:34

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Fun fact, the Citroën logo is a clever reference to André Citroën’s original business – manufacturing gears with chevron-shaped teeth, giving the smooth power transfer of helical-cut gears, without the thrust imbalance issues.

Amoore100 > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap 04/07/2016 at 22:38

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I’m just a fan of the Stagea in general, but I had forgotten how AMAZING the twin unicorn was.

Also, that may be the only redeeming feature as I’ve never really liked Toyota’s ‘sombrero’ design, maybe because of the connotation it has with some of their cars which are truly tragic in their beigeness.

Luke's Dad Sold His 2000TL To Get a Sienna > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:42

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This is the Equus logo I can’t deal with HAHAH. I never noticed though but the two you posted look pretty nice.

And yes to Polestar, yes to any company that’s ready to have crazy colors.

Amoore100 > twochevrons 04/07/2016 at 22:42

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I knew about the helical gear connection but I had no idea it was Citroen’s own company! I thought he was just visiting someplace and was inspired...well, I should have expected knowing the size of Andre’s ego...

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:46

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Content

Boxer_4 > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:48

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My personal favorite is the old-style Subaru logo. Back when the stars were in roughly in order:

The new badge with the metallic background is nice, too.

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:50

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I’ve always appreciated the Citroen logo as well, simple and elegant.

Likewise, the FIAT logo has an interesting and long history as well, and I’ve always liked that they’ve (mostly) stuck with their classic typeface from way back when (the ‘A’ gives it away):

Chariotoflove > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 22:51

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You mean chickens. ;)

Amoore100 > Chariotoflove 04/07/2016 at 22:51

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IF you insist... ;)

Chariotoflove > not for canada - australian in disguise 04/07/2016 at 22:52

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Never heard of Frontenac until your post. So, I learned something today!

Chariotoflove > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 04/07/2016 at 22:53

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Freakin’ brilliant. So much better than the usual “wash me”.

marshknute > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 23:00

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I like the Corvette badge. It’s way cooler than the Chevy bow tie, and very appropriate on a car with Motorsport history.

Probenja > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 23:01

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The Fiat Punto has a dot in the P and it looks like someone driving.

Milky > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 23:10

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Biased but genuine response.

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Chariotoflove 04/07/2016 at 23:14

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It was so popular it became decals for the cars, the biggest thing to happen to modern Peugeot accessorizing.

Chariotoflove > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 04/07/2016 at 23:18

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Cool. Better than so many other decals people put on their cars.

Alex from Toronto > Amoore100 04/07/2016 at 23:19

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Oldsmobile had some cool badges. I always liked their final logo design.

Amoore100 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 04/07/2016 at 23:51

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That’s true, I never realized that the ‘A’ has been a recurring theme for a long time. In fact the latest logo is just a refinement of the one between the ‘20s and the ‘60s. Quite a history!

Amoore100 > Boxer_4 04/07/2016 at 23:52

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I had no idea the Subaru logo had strayed that far from the original constellation...I still love it though, truly unique in the automotive world.

Amoore100 > Alex from Toronto 04/07/2016 at 23:54

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I know it’s meant to be a rocket, but this is awfully similar:

Amoore100 > marshknute 04/07/2016 at 23:54

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Definitely iconic, especially on a plastic sports car! ;)

Wobbles the Mind > Amoore100 04/08/2016 at 00:16

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Best. Logos. EVER!

So ridiculous!

RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars > Amoore100 04/08/2016 at 06:41

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Yup, I always thought it would be interested if they went 1921-style on their next one with red text on a white background! :)

Amoore100 > RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars 04/08/2016 at 11:46

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Yeah, that would be awesome! I hadn’t realized the color reversal! Good eye!