The ‘Grand Tour’ Logo Is A Blast From The Past
We’ve been making fun of the latest season of Top Gear for a while here on The News Wheel, so it’s a bit refreshing to finally have something to say about the show former fans have been waiting for. Of course, we’re talking about the upcoming Grand Tour on Amazon Prime from the classic Top […]
Behind the Badge: Reasons to Love the Suzuki “S” Logo
Not all logos have to harbor hidden secrets in their designs to be impactful or memorable; some logos are so timeless and straightforward that they maintain their appeal for eons. Japanese manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corporation has such a badge that is recognizable in practically every country around the world. Headquartered in Shizuoka, the company produces […]
Behind the Badge: Secrets of the Isuzu Name and Logo
Isuzu Motors Ltd, the Japanese manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest truck producer, specializing in commercial vehicles and diesel engines. Its full name being Isuzu Jidōsha Kabushiki-Kaisha, the company was named after a river that flows past a Japanese shrine. The name means “fifty bells pealing in harmony and celebrations.” Isuzu began in 1916 when […]
Behind the Badge: Hidden Meaning of the Abarth Logo’s Scorpion
If there’s one logo that grabs everyone’s attention wherever it’s seen–whether at auto shows, races, or on the street–it’s the Abarth badge. Bold and ferocious, it features a stylish scorpion with its pincers outstretched. But where did Abarth get this logo and what does it mean? Abarth & C. S.p.A. was founded by Italo-Austrian Karl (aka […]
Behind the Badge: What Logo Will Hyundai Use for Its Genesis Motors Luxury Brand?
Will the stylish winged logo remain the Genesis Motors emblem?
For years, people wondered why the luxurious Hyundai Genesis sedan possessed a different badge than the rest of Hyundai’s lineup. While other sedans and crossovers posses the recognizable Hyundai “H” emblem (which you can learn all about here), the Genesis was given a distinctly different one. Now it all makes sense. Hyundai Motors recently announced its […]
Behind the Badge: Take a “Stab” at What the Maserati Logo Means
One automaker has a sharp logo design that pierces through the bland emblems of its competitors. Want to take a stab at which automaker we’re talking about? The Maserati company was founded in December 1914 by the brothers Maserati. Unlike other popular brothers in automotive history, there were not two or three Maserati brothers, but a whopping […]
Behind the Badge: Connecting the Volkswagen Logo, Hitler, & Office Competition
The Volkswagen emblem has become so recognizable over the years that the company is often referred to simply by the initials on the logo: VW. The Volkswagen Automobile Company–founded in Wolfsburg, Germany in May 1937–has become one of the top auto makers in the world and remained so for nearly a century. But where did […]
Behind the Badge: Is That Henry Ford’s Signature on the Ford Logo?
Back in 1903, the world changed forever when the legendary Henry Ford began his own automotive company in Dearborn, Michigan. Today, the brand has over 100 manufacturing facilities across more than 30 countries, with every model parading the iconic blue oval. But where did the design for this “hallmark for reliability and economy” come from? […]
Behind the Badge: Exploring the Theories Behind Lincoln’s Star Logo
Discovering the mysterious origin of the Lincoln emblem
Few automotive logos carry the legacy of luxury and prestige more than the Lincoln emblem. For decades, the premium automaker has presented its star-like logo as a symbol of its premium class. Even after half a century, Lincoln’s cross-sectional rectangle stands out among dozens of other badges on the road. But where did it come […]
Behind the Badge: What Do the Six Stars Of Subaru’s Logo Signify?
Discover how Subaru's name and emblem are connected—and are out of this world...
As the first automaker to use a Japanese word as its name, Subaru has established a universal brand identity thanks to global use of its six-star emblem. Have you ever wondered what those stars represent, and where the automaker got its name? Related: Could the 2017 Subaru Impreza be a game-changer for the sedan market? […]
Behind the Badge: Decoding the Misunderstood Chrysler Pentastar & FCA’s New Logo
Despite being purchased by Fiat and forming a new corporation, Chrysler’s iconic logos still persist in our memory to this day–especially the company’s signature Pentastar. But what do Chrysler’s logos mean? You’ll be surprised to discover they’re not what you think. [wptab name=’Ribbon Logo’] Chrysler’s “Seal of Approval” Back when Chrysler began in the 1920s, […]
Behind the Badge: Why Alfa Romeo’s Logo Features a Snake Eating a Guy
There are boring automotive logos–like the completely uncreative Kia badge – and there are clever ones – like the many hidden messages in Toyota’s emblem. Then there are a couple automotive logos that are just…weird. Have you ever taken a close look at Alfa Romeo‘s badge, specifically the right portion showing a giant snake devouring a […]
Behind the Badge: Kia’s Korean Logo Is So Much Cooler!
A look at the automaker's stylish "K" logo, plus the origin of Kia's name
If you had to pick the most boring automotive brand logo on the road today, you might think of Honda’s simplistic “H” or Nissan’s hamburger-shaped badge…but most likely you’re going to choose Kia’s text-based oval. Apart from the horizontal line of the “A” missing, there’s nothing terribly creative about the design–at least Ford’s emblem has […]
Behind the Badge: Symbolism in Audi’s Four Rings Logo
German automaker Audi is known for producing lavish, fun-to-drive vehicles–all of which have a four-ring silver badge on their grilles. What does this curious logo represent? Speculation runs rampant–some people suspect it’s four wheels or has something to do with the Olympic rings (since the World Olympic Committee challenged the automaker in trademark court). But […]
Behind the Badge: Why Is the Volvo Logo the Male Gender Symbol?
For the past 85 years, Volvo has adorned its signature diagonal bar across its vehicles’ radiator grilles with the same badge: a silver circle with an arrow pointing out diagonally (northeast). If you’ve ever stopped and looked at it, you might have realized this is the icon typically used to identify male gender. Why would the […]
Behind the Badge: Analyzing Secret Messages in the Toyota Logo!
Learn the origins of the Toyota name and emblem in our brand identity series
Toyota takes a lot of pride in its current logo, even attributing much of the company’s success to the recognizable emblem. This pride is well-founded, as the company’s emblem quickly became one of the most recognizable automotive logos around the globe. The Japanese automaker put a lot of thought into its name and emblem, including […]
Behind the Badge: The Mercury Logo Gives You Wings
Influences on the identity of Ford's upscale line.
Greek and Roman mythology has influenced our culture immeasurably. From the names we use in pop culture to the themes and phrases in our writing, the tales of old have remained with us for millennia. We see these archetypes appear even in the automotive industry. Take, for instance, the Mercury brand. Ever wonder what influenced the […]
Behind the Badge: The Origins of the Lexus Name and Logo
You see automotive emblems adorning the grilles and trunks of vehicles every day, but do you ever wonder where they come from? The latest study in our Behind the Badge series uncovers the fascinating story of the Lexus name and its connection to the Lexus logo. Read on to learn something new about your favorite […]