Mazda Motor Corporation, usually simply referred to as Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Fuchū, Hiroshima, Japan. Mazda was established on January 30, 1920, in the form of Toyo Cork Kogyo Co., Ltd. as a cork factory by Jujiro Matsuda. It later purchased Abemaki Tree Cork Company. It reorganized under the name Toyo Kogyo Co., Ltd in 1927 and began manufacturing vehicles in 1931.
Mazda was probably recognized for its innovative technologies that featured the Wankel engine, SkyActiv platform, and Kodo Design language. The automaker also has a rich motorsport history having taken victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991 with the rotary-powered Mazda 787B, and as well as in deals with various other automakers, previously and currently. Ford has a stake in Mazda from 1974 to the late 2000s. The list goes on to include offers of partnerships with Japanese manufacturers such as Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, and Subaru, while even Korean brands like Suzuki and Kia have been offered opportunities to produce in Russia. It built 1,100,000 vehicles worldwide in 2023.
The name Mazda is derived from Ahura Mazda, the god of Zoroastrianism (an ancient Persian religion), and also from the surname of the founder, Matsuda.
▶History of the Mazda Logo 🌞
1920–1928
The original logo of Mazda was created in 1920 and it existed with the Japanese nameplate for eight years. Most powerful was an abstract geometric badge, starkly outlined in black and set against a plain background. The logo, with its circular form, was a shuriken; which is one of the more famous ninja weapons.
1928–1931
With two thick horizontal lines emerging from the red frame to the center of the badge and a clean, flawless circular shape, the 1928 redesign of the badge brought a minimalist red-and-white style. The ends of the lines had a relatively significant spacing between each other.
1931–1934
The Mazda insignia was designed in 1931 and was based on the well-known Mitsubishi diamond emblem, which is made up of three rhombuses joined at the corners to form a triangle. Over the geometric insignia was written the elegant custom cursive logotype in white and blue.
1934
In 1934, the badge was reduced to just the logotype. It reproduced features of the wordmark from the previous iteration but had shorter lines of the letters and this time they were solid and black, in line the blue highlighted “Mazda” from 1931.
1934–1936
The original Mazda logo debuted in 1934 and consisted of just a straightforward wordmark that was elegantly italicized. In the same year, the business introduced its first three-wheel vehicle.
1936–1959
The Hiroshima emblem served as the inspiration for the geometric logo’s symbolic meaning. At their midpoints, three parallel lines create the letter “M.” The acronym for Mazda Motor Manufacturer is three “M’s.” The emblem, which depicts the course of the Hiroshima River, has an airborne feel to it.
1951–1972
In 1951 a Japanese car maker introduced a black and white geometric badge With its unique abstract layout of three downward triangles. Each set has black and white lines, most thin and straight slanted / positioned in different areas, making some intricate styles of logos. Mazda’s most modern logo to date, this mystical emblem stuck around for more than 20 years.
1954–1974
A text-based logo in a fresh blue and white color scheme debuted with the 1954 redesign. The text was limited to the word “Mazda” in uppercase, written in a narrowed, italicized sans-serif typeface featuring firm, rigid letters, crisp edges, and bold lines.
1959–1975
This period’s logo is portraying the letter “M” in a more soft approach. It was intended to be striking and memorable when it was introduced alongside the first Mazda passenger automobiles. The strong brand, which emphasizes design, is reflected in the letter’s bold lines set within a circular frame.
1975–1991
The corporation employed a letter mark logo, devoid of any other characteristics or symbols, for nearly thirty years. The brand continues to utilize the typeface that became popular for that logo today. It is bold and futuristic, readily recognizable, and unique.
1991–1992
Mazda opted to get back to symbolism in its emblem. The logo used by the company was shaped like a diamond and represented the sun and light. It was redone with gentle, flowing lines in 1992 after an initial geometric iteration. The present, well-known Mazda logo was inspired by the design from 1992.
1992–1997
In 1992, the logo was softened and refined. Every contour was refined, becoming more slender and rounded. The typeface also lightened in appearance, with the letters getting smaller in size. In order to counterbalance the inscription’s straight lines, the Diamond and the frame became more circular than angular, giving the insignia a friendlier, more loyal, and more reliable appearance.
1997-2015
In 1997, the now-famous brand’s emblem was designed. The oval frame of the “V” forms wings that symbolize the “M,” signifying the brand’s dynamic and adaptable thinking. It honors motion and forward-thinking thoughts. It is progressive and trendy. This also includes the brand’s 1970s nameplate. It is situated under the insignia and is rendered in a vivid blue, suggesting a sense of flying.
2015–2018
Only the glossy surface of the famous silver Mazda symbol turned matte. The logotype was changed to silver, but it also acquired a thin, distinguishable blue outline that mirrored the color scheme and early brand logos while also alluded to the development and expansion of the carmaker.
2018–2024
The Mazda logo consists of a wordmark with all the letters (aside from “D”) in lowercase and an emblem that was significantly altered in 1988. The silver-grey color scheme elevates the sleek, contemporary design of the logo. It showcases every positive aspect of the brand and its core principles in a clean, contemporary design.
2024–Present
The 2024 revamp has resulted in a more geometric and simple look for the famous Mazda badge. The silverfish gradients and volumes were entirely eliminated from the concept when the designers redesigned the insignia using flat black lines. The Mazda emblem now seems bolder and more inventive than ever thanks to the addition of sharp angles and more recognizable shapes to the plain lines.
