Tracing the Journey of a Timeless Emblem

Acknowledging the Volkswagen logo doesn’t demand a deep understanding of motoring history. It stands out as a hallmark in the realm of vehicle manufacturing, showcasing the brand’s enduring global presence. Established in 1937, Volkswagen maintains its formidable status today, with its logo serving as a beacon of resilience, emblematic of the brand’s identity. This journey of brand representation underscores the expertise of a logo designing company.

Exploring Volkswagen’s history reveals a narrative woven with innovation, controversy, and adaptation. Conceived in 1937 under Adolf Hitler’s vision of democratizing car ownership, the company has blossomed into one of Europe’s automotive giants. Each evolution of the logo encapsulates a chapter in Volkswagen’s journey, mirroring its dedication to quality and accessibility. This narrative underscores the expertise of a logo design agency in capturing the essence of a brand’s evolution.

As a professional logo design company, Volkswagen has navigated the complexities of branding with finesse. Each emblematic iteration speaks to the company’s ethos and evolution, a visual representation of its values and aspirations. From its inception by the German Labor Front to its current status as the world’s largest automaker, Volkswagen’s logo has evolved alongside its storied history.

The creation of a logo for business is more than just a design endeavor; it’s a reflection of a company’s identity and vision. Volkswagen’s logo designing journey mirrors its trajectory, marked by strategic shifts and creative ingenuity. Every element of the logo, meticulously crafted over the decades, tells a story of adaptation and resilience, mirroring Volkswagen’s ability to withstand the test of time.

Through the perspective of corporate logo design services, we embark on an enthralling journey through Volkswagen’s illustrious past. From its modest origins to its present stature as a global automotive powerhouse, each rendition of the logo mirrors the company’s steadfast dedication to innovation and excellence. As we peel back the layers of Volkswagen’s logo, we reveal a narrative steeped in symbolism and significance, a testament to the enduring legacy of one of automotive history’s most iconic brands.

The History of Volkswagen Company

Volkswagen, a German automobile company, was founded in 1937 by Adolf Hitler, who envisioned a budget-friendly car for the Autobahn. Ferdinand Porsche, an Austrian engineer, was approached by Hitler to design a budget-friendly car.

Porsche changed his nationality to the National Socialist German Worker’s Party. The Volkswagen’s distinctive round shape was created by Bela Barenyi in 1934. In 1938, the company changed its name to Volkswagenwerk GmbH and adopted a logo inspired by the Nazi flag and a swastika. The logo was believed to bring victory to those wielding it in battle.

Volkswagen, founded in 1937, is the world’s largest automaker and one of the most successful automobile companies. Despite its history, the brand has undergone numerous updates to its marketing and logo design, with many holding a similar theme.

About Volkswagen

Volkswagen, founded in 1937 by Adolf Hitler and Ferdinand Porsche, aimed to fill the gap in the automobile market for transportation and leisure. After World War II, the brand reintroduced, manufacturing over 10,000 cars and changing its logo to a Nazi flag. Despite British leadership, Volkswagen’s ownership was returned to Germany, allowing it to expand sales.

Volkswagen’s Logo Evolution

The changes to the Volkswagen logo have been subtle for the most part, though it has departed significantly from the original logo. While this brand may have launched during the beginning of WWII, it’s grown since then, and its logo shows the distance the company has put between itself and those rocky beginnings.

The Original Logo (1937)

The original Volkswagen symbol featured a complex, monochromatic design with letters “V” and “W” in a circular frame, surrounded by a cogwheel and swastika, and was created for the original purpose of the cars.

The Volkswagen Logo from (1939 to 1945)

In 1939, Volkswagen revamped their logo, removing Nazi symbolism and simplifying images, while maintaining a masculine, bold vibe with a cogwheel and two stacked letters.

Volkswagen Adds Color (1945–1960)

In 1945, the original Volkswagen logo was updated with retro appeal, featuring cream, brown, and red colors, and retaining the central letters, with color and shape changes throughout iterations.

The Color is Removed (1948–1960)

The new logo, adapted for Germany’s automotive industry growth, features monochrome black and white, thickened border, and a closer “V” to the “W.”

A Square Change (1960–1967)

In 1960, Volkswagen’s logo featured a monochromatic palette with a square around the circular emblem, symbolizing stability and strength. The logo, lasting only seven years, aimed to showcase the brand’s lasting strength.

The Volkswagen Logo from (1967 to 1978)

The square disappeared again, and the original Volkswagen logo circle returned. This new version was similar to the one from 1945. However, the minimalist design now included a color update to blue and white.

The Logo from (1978 to 1989)

In 1978, the company redesigned their blue and white logo, featuring a bolder shade and a modified double framing element, and a smaller “V” from the iconic VW symbol.

Volkswagen Logo (1989)

After Volkswagen’s prior logo was the face of the company for more than 10 years, the brand decided it was time for a refresh in 1989. It went back to the much lighter version of the blue and white coloring, and the proportions changed slightly. This change was said to be designed to make the logo appear cleaner and more elegant.

A Darker Update from (1995 to 2000)

For a few years, Volkswagen also decided to change the color of the logo to a deeper shade. It was still blue but became a much darker color.

Some 3D Elements are Added (1999–2000)

The logo underwent minor modifications to enhance its three-dimensional appearance, adding darker shades to highlight white elements and enhancing its elegance with thinner lines in the center.

The Three Dimensional Logo from (2000 to 2012)

In 2000, Volkswagen modernized its logo with gradient use, adding a silver tone to white and a darker blue to create a more dynamic and three-dimensional design.

Punch Up to the 3D (2012)

In 2012, a new logo featuring a 3D effect, reduced size, and sharper lines was introduced, aiming to convey modernism and progress.

The Current Volkswagen Logo Ups the Saturation (2019 — Present)

In 2019, Volkswagen shifted its logo design to a sleeker, simpler, and futuristic two-dimensional design. This move was in response to electric car competitors and the need to keep up with their product line.

The logo was introduced gradually, starting with the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, and featured three color schemes: white on top of blue, blue on top of white, and black on top of white.

Volkswagen Logo Key Elements

While there have been several changes to the logo over the years, there have been consistent elements that the company has chosen to continue using throughout its history.

The VW

Even from the first iteration, the initials VW have been in the logo design. This abbreviation of Volkswagen is synonymous with the brand, and it’s unlikely we’ll see a departure from using these letters any time soon.

Volkswagen’s emblem features two letters, “V” for “Volks” and “W” for “Wagen”, enclosed in a circle. The blue and white color scheme symbolizes professionalism, stability, and quality.

The Font

The Volkswagen logo colors

The Volkswagen logo color choices have changed a few times over the years. However, for the most part, the company has stayed with either black and white, or white and blue.

Evolution of the Symbol

The version of the Volkswagen symbol used throughout the 1930s is recognizable by a stylized cogwheel and swastika wings, which perfectly corresponded the Zeitgeist. Before World War II, the emblem was modified, and its resemblance to swastika became less obvious.

After the World War, the symbol was changed to a circle with the VW letters, which looks very close to the badge we can see on the modern Volkswagen cars. Afterwards, the logo changed its color several times, it acquired and then dropped a square frame.

The 2000 Emblem

If you compare the Volkswagen emblem used today with the one that can be seen on the cars manufactured before 2000, you may notice two obvious differences: the 3D effect, and a specific color effect. It was only in 2000 that the emblem became three dimensional.

At the same time, the color blends effect was applied to the logo.

Color

Today, the white color and the blue color are present in the logo of Volkswagen. The blue one symbolizes excellence, reliability, and class — whereas the white tint messages nobility, purity, and charm.

FAQs

What does the Volkswagen logo mean?

The logo in the form of the letters V and W in a ring denotes the name Volkswagen, derived from two German words: Volks and Wagen, which together translate to people’s car.

How did Volkswagen get its logo?

The Volkswagen logo got its round shape in 1938. At first, it was a symbol designed in the likeness of the Icelandic magic mark Ginfaxi, but with a swastika. The letters “V” and “W ” were in the central circle.” Then, the elements resembling the Nazi flag were removed.

Why did VW change its logo?

Volkswagen changed its logo in 2020 to make the design easier and more digitally playable. To do this, the developers removed the three-dimensional volume, leaving the general outline of the ring and letters.

Conclusion

The Volkswagen logo has showcased remarkable consistency throughout its history. Although significant changes occurred in its early years, the icon has remained relatively unchanged since 1967, and some argue, even as far back as 1945.

Today, this logo stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the Volkswagen brand. Despite its origins amidst the tumult of the Second World War and association with its dictator, the brand has transcended its wartime past. Instead, it has evolved into a symbol of peace and love, embraced by “hippies” in the late 60s and 70s, showcasing the power of professional logo design to transform perceptions and associations.

Volkswagen’s evolution in graphic designs logos serves as a valuable lesson for competitors and businesses across industries. The journey of its logo for design company underscores the power of resilience and adaptation. As a logo design agency, Volkswagen’s story inspires us to recognize the potential for transformation and growth, regardless of our industry.