Behind the Badge: What Animal Is on the No-Longer-Used Saab Symbol?
Saab AB (Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget or “Swedish Aeroplane Limited”) began as an aviation and defense manufacturer in 1937 out of Trollhättan, Sweden. In the late 1960s, the company began creating automobiles and merged with truck manufacturer AB Skania-Vabis (aka Scania). At the end of 1989, a primary investor sold his share of Saab to General […]
Behind the Badge: Origin of the “Shocking” Lightning Bolt on Opel’s Emblem
You’ve probably never seen the Opel badge adorning any vehicles on the road here in the United States; the German brand’s products are usually only sold in Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. However, this General Motors subsidiary is becoming increasingly recognizable in the States, as models like the Opel Cascada are arriving on American […]
Behind the Badge: Where Cadillac Got Its Crest (and Ducks)
Discover the history of Cadillac's coat of arms logo as we study car brand emblems!
The luxury Cadillac brand has existed for over a century, and in the 110+ years of its existence, its logo has endured nearly 40 distinct reinventions. Following the company’s Art & Science design philosophy, each new badge continues to remain modern. Since the company’s establishment by Henry Martyn Leland in 1902 and acquisition by General […]
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: The Mysterious Origin of Chevy’s Iconic Bowtie
Where did the Chevy emblem get its inspiration and meaning? Find out!
In the world of automotive branding, there are boring logos…there are lazy text-based logos…there are run-of-the-mill logos…there are complex logos…and then there’s the Chevrolet bowtie. For a hundred years, this symbol of American automotive ingenuity has remained unparalleled in brand identity around the globe. Arguably, it’s the best out there. Everyone agrees that the iconic […]
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: Mercedes-Benz’s Star Emblem Holds a Big Secret
Some automakers’ logos change every decade as they struggle to establish a credible brand identity, while others have remained consistent for a century. One emblem that has come to represent quality, innovation, and tradition in the automotive industry is Mercedes-Benz’s three-pointed star. This iconic design has adorned the grilles and radiators of quality vehicles for […]
Behind the Badge: Uncovering the Inspiration for Buick’s Three Shields Emblem
Back in the 1990s, the Schechter Group noted, “among car marketers, GM’s Buick gained an astounding 53 percent in positive image with its tri-shield symbol.” Clearly, the world embraces the brand identity of this century-old automaker through its respected, recognizable badge. But what exactly does Buick’s Tri-Shield logo represent? Where does it come from and what […]
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: Historic Meaning of Plymouth’s Sailboat Emblem
We recently discussed the Chrysler Pentastar logo and its perceived tie to its many divisions–including Plymouth. Known for some unforgettably iconic models over the years, like the Barracuda and Road Runner, the Plymouth brand had its own emblem its models proudly displayed–before its demise in 2001. But what was Plymouth’s logo and where did the […]
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: Is the Infiniti Emblem a Road or a Mountain?
Luxury automaker Infiniti has been called the “Japanese BMW” for its quality products and refined driving experience. But what does the strange emblem adorning the grilles of Infiniti models mean, and does it have any connection to the brand’s name? Find out the meaning of the Infiniti logo below! [wptab name=’Company Origin’] How the Infiniti […]
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: Are the Sleek Scion Symbol & Name More Than They Seem?
Learn the meaning behind the Scion brand's name and logo!
Scion might not be the most popular brand in America, but it certainly has one of the most exciting badges. Sharp and sleek, Scion’s logo is perfect for the brand’s image. Ever wonder where it comes from or what the brand’s name means? Read on to find out! The Meaning of Scion’s Logo and Name […]
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: Unexpected Meanings of Datsun/Nissan Names & Emblems
How Nissan's logo and name boast its Japanese heritage
The Nissan Motor Company typically doesn’t get attention for its seemingly un-creative logo. After all, it is practically the plainest badge you’ll see on a car (next to Kia’s text-only logo). But the emblem, like the name of the automaker, has a rich history behind it. As a visual representation of the company, it’s fits perfectly. […]