Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese car company that was founded in 1920 by the son of a fisherman, Jujiro Matsuda. Today, the company is counted among the top 15 automakers producing sedans and commercial vehicles globally by volume. Originally, the company used to manufacture tools and heavy machinery. The first visual identity for Mazda was simple and minimalistic. However, it has undergone several transformations since the inception of the company. The logo transformations reflect the evolution and growth of Mazda in the automotive industry. The article delves into the detailed timeline of Mazda’s logo history over the years.
The Genesis of the Mazda Logo (1920–1928)
As Mazda used to produce heavy machinery and equipment, its emblem resembled machine parts and a milling cutter. Besides, the logo featured an abstract geometric shape in black, which resembled a shuriken, a ninja weapon.
(1928-1931)
The 1928 logo iteration witnessed a circular red and white logo with two thick horizontal lines emanating from the vibrant red frame at the centre. These horizontal lines symbolised the identity of the company as a top-class manufacturer of quality automobiles.
(1931-1934)
The Mazda logo of 1931 used the iconic diamond emblem of Mitsubishi. It comprised three rhombuses with white and blue segments connected at their corners to form a star-like figure. Further, the brand name “Mazda” appeared in a fancy italic and transparent script extended both ways over the star-like figure.
(1934)
In 1934, Mazda introduced its first logo, which was a simple representation of the brand name “Mazda” written in plain text. This logo was primarily used on the company’s early products, including the three-wheeled trucks. It marked the beginning of Mazda’s branding journey and helped establish the brand name in the automotive sector.
(1936-1959)
By 1936, Mazda had developed a more intricate logo that featured three stylised “M” letters. This design symbolised the full name of the company, “Mazda Motor Manufacturer,” and was inspired by the emblem of Hiroshima, the hometown of Mazda. The wings extending from the letters represented agility and the aspirations of the company for growth and success.
(1951-1972)
From 1951 to 1972, Mazda adopted a traditional logo that included three Japanese characters. It reflected the transition of leadership in the company under Tsuneji Matsuda. The logo featured an abstract geometric shape of three inverted triangles. Featuring different elements, the logo had thin black and white lines with straight cuts. This particular logo remained the visual identity of Mazda for over twenty years. This logo was significant in representing the cultural heritage of the brand during a period of expansion.
(1954-1974)
As Mazda began exporting vehicles, a new logo was created in 1954 to serve as an international representation. This logo featured the name “Mazda” in a bold, italicised sans-serif font, which made it more recognisable to global markets. The logotype had bold lines, clean contours, and distinct edges. In fact, the logo design was simpler compared to previous iterations, and had its focus on clarity and aesthetic appeal.
(1959-1975)
In 1959, Mazda introduced a logo centred around a stylised letter “m” with extended ends, which was used on various passenger cars, including the Mazda R360. The logo comprised a roundel with a red outline and a handwritten “m” placed at the centre in lowercase. At the bottom of the circle was the slanted brand name mentioned in blue and capital letters. Also, the letters “A” in the brand name had their cross bars extended a little to the right. This logo emphasised a modern and memorable design, which was in alignment with the growing reputation of the brand in the automotive industry.
(1975-1991)
The most iconic phase of the Mazda logo began in 1975, when the brand adopted a bold and stylised letter mark of “Mazda.” This logo featured all lowercase letters except for the “D,” which was intentionally capitalised to maintain visual balance and perfection. Besides, the letter “Z” had diagonal stripes. This design became synonymous with the Mazda brand and remained largely unchanged for over two decades.
(1991-1992)
In the 1991 iteration, a diamond-shaped emblem inside an oval was used to represent light and the sun. Rendered in a light blue colour, the oval-shaped emblem was seen to be thinner at the top and thicker towards the bottom.
(1992-1997)
The previous logo was refined in 1992 by making the shapes thin and more rounded. The brand name was made lighter and shorter, while the diamond and the oval were turned circular rather than angular. The shape of the emblem was in harmony with the lettering and added a sense of loyalty, trustworthiness, and friendliness to the logo.
(1997-2015)
In June 1997, Mazda unveiled a new logo that featured a V-shaped design enclosed in an oval. This logo represented the brand’s commitment to growth and innovation, with the V-shaped figure resembling wings and symbolising freedom and forward movement for the brand. The colour of this V-shaped emblem was rendered in metallic grey, white, and black to create a 3D effect. Besides, the name of the brand was written below in blue. The design reflected Mazda’s vision for the future and its dedication to high-quality automotive engineering.
(2015-2018)
The Mazda logo in glossy silver was introduced in 2015, and it retained the V-shaped design. However, it had sharper edges and a more refined colour palette. The brand name was written in silver with a thin blue outline. This update aligned with the KODO design philosophy of Mazda, which emphasises elegance and sophistication. The logo continues to represent the brand’s evolution and commitment to quality in the modern automotive landscape.
(2018-2024)
The 2018 logo iteration saw a modern and sophisticated logo rendered in a silver-grey colour palette. With a futuristic look, the logo symbolised the value proposition of the brand with respect to style, performance, and advanced features.
(2024-2025)
The trademark applied by the company in 2024 appeared more geometric and minimalistic. Here, the silver gradients of earlier logo designs were removed in favour of thick and flat black lines. Besides, the black lines had more distinct contours and clean angles. This particular logo appeared to be more innovative.
(2025)
Mazda has unveiled a new brand mark at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. It is similar to the 2024 trademarked variant but with an added all-caps wordmark executed in a modern sans-serif typeface. Notably, the brand symbol has inherited the spirit of the one introduced in 1997 and represents the letter “M” as a symbol of soaring wings. In other words, the brand symbol exemplifies the commitment of the company towards continuous self-reform and relentless growth. Besides, its sleek and bold form is intended to enhance visibility, especially in digital environments.
The Elements of the Mazda Logo
Symbol
The oval shape of the Mazda logo represents a sense of community and global growth, while the central stylised “V” shape can be interpreted in various ways. Some believe the curved “V” resembles wings to symbolise flight and progress. Others view it as a stylised representation of the letter “M” for Mazda. A closer examination of the emblem reveals that the legs of “V” attach and blend seamlessly with the oval to form a stylised “M” within the design.
Font
The bold, stylised brand name in lowercase lettering on the primary Mazda badge is crafted using a unique, futuristic sans-serif typeface. This font bears resemblance to Snasm Regular and Toxigenesis Bold, though it features distinct modifications, particularly with the addition of stencils to the letter “Z.”
Colour
Regarding the colour scheme of Mazda’s visual identity, it is predominantly composed of gradient silver metallic shades and is devoid of vibrant accents. This minimalist approach enhances the aesthetic of the logo by rendering it both elegant and timeless. The design allows the emblem to be displayed against various backgrounds while maintaining its unique identity.
Finally
Mazda’s logo history is a testament to the brand’s growth and reflects its journey from a small manufacturer to a prominent player in the global automotive market. Each iteration of the logo carries a significant meaning and encapsulates the values and aspirations of the company over the years.