Renault is one of the most recognised automotive brands in the world that boasts a long and fascinating history of logo evolution. Since its founding in 1899, the French automobile manufacturer has undergone several transformations in its brand identity. The Renault logo has evolved from a simple monogram to the modern geometric diamond shape we see today. Each iteration reflects the brand’s growth, technological advancements, and changing design trends. This article delves into the various logo transformations the brand has undergone over the years.
The Genesis of the Renault Logo (1899 – 1906)
The first logo of the company was a simple yet elegant monogram that consisted of the intertwined initials of the first names of the brothers, Louis, Marcel, and Fernand Renault. This monogram appeared inside an oval medallion with a decorated ribbon. The logo was used primarily on documents and promotional materials rather than on the cars themselves. Since the automobile industry was still in its infancy, the branding of Renault was not as significant on vehicles at the time.
(1906 – 1919)
By 1906, Renault had gained international recognition, especially after winning the first-ever French Grand Prix. To celebrate this success, the company introduced a new logo featuring a front view of a Renault automobile enclosed within a gearwheel. This symbolised the engineering prowess of Renault and its growing dominance in the automobile industry. The emblem was placed on cars to establish a stronger brand identity.
(1919 – 1923)
After World War I, Renault played a crucial role in supplying vehicles and tanks for the French military. The company designed and produced the famous Renault FT-17 tank, which became an iconic symbol of military innovation. To honour its wartime contributions, Renault changed its logo in 1919 to feature a stylised tank inside a circle with a thick black outline. This was a bold move, which made Renault one of the first car manufacturers to incorporate military symbolism into its branding.
(1923 – 1925)
The 1923 logo featured the radiator grille emblem with the brand name written horizontally at the centre. The brand name was written using outlines of characters against a white background and enclosed within a horizontally stretched rectangle with arched ends. The overall circular emblem of the logo had 20 short strokes in black of equal thickness.
(1925 – 1930)
In 1925, Renault introduced what would become its most recognisable feature—the diamond-shaped logo. The emblem featured a diamond-shaped structure with horizontal lines running across it. This new geometric shape allowed the logo to be seamlessly integrated onto the front grille of Renault cars.
The diamond shape was chosen for its modern and industrial aesthetic. It also symbolises strength, durability, and innovation, which aligns with Renault’s brand philosophy. Over the years, this shape would undergo multiple refinements, but the diamond remained at the core of Renault’s identity.
(1930 – 1945)
The 1930 logo iteration was redesigned without changing the diamond shape. The new logo featured thick parallel lines in black fitting the shape of the diamond, but without any outline or framing. The central banner had the brand name written in white uppercase in an elegant serif font with large serifs and thick lines.
(1945 – 1946)
In the 1945 logo redesign, the diamond shaped emblem was placed inside a yellow shield with a thick grey and black border. Inside the emblem the French inscription “Regie Nationale Renault France” in black sans-serif was written in black in four levels and separated by thin black lines.
(1946 – 1958)
After World War II, Renault underwent nationalisation and became Régie Nationale des Usines Renault (RNUR). The company updated its logo, wherein it kept the diamond shape but refined the horizontal lines to create a cleaner and more modern look. The diamond-shaped emblem appeared in yellow, white, and black colour palettes with the wordmarks “RENAULT” and “REGIO NATIONALE” written in a modern sans-serif typeface in uppercase and in bigger and smaller sizes, respectively.
(1958 – 1967)
In 1958, Renault refined its logo further by simplifying the diamond and making the horizontal lines bolder. The name “Renault” in bold black and uppercase was now incorporated inside the diamond emblem at the centre against a white background. The rest of the diamond emblem featured a grey background with six thin black stripes at the top and bottom to reinforce the brand identity.
(1967 – 1973)
The 1967 logo redesign saw a bright yellow square with two white arrowheads facing opposite sides placed to create a rhombus-like shape. Below the yellow square was written the brand name in black uppercase and in a bold sans-serif typeface. The brand name and enclosed between two black horizontal lines.
(1973 – 1982)
In one of the most significant logo redesigns, Renault collaborated with the famous French artist Victor Vasarely. He created a three-dimensional optical illusion effect using bold black and thin black parallel lines within the diamond shape. The diamond shape was placed within a yellow square with rounded ends and a black outline. The brand name in bold black appeared below. This version became widely known as the “Vasarely Diamond” and gave Renault a more futuristic and dynamic identity.
(1982 – 1990)
In this logo iteration, the frame/outline of the yellow square was removed, and the wordmark in a serif font was replaced with a sans-serif font with large serifs. Also, the edges of the rhombus were sharpened, and the yellow shade of the background was changed to a darker one.
(1990 – 2004)
In 1990, Renault modernised its logo again and transitioned to a solid, three-dimensional diamond with smoother black edges. The upper part of the diamond was coloured white, while the lower part was coloured black. The brand name was rendered in a bold sans-serif typeface and placed below underscored by a thin black line. This version aimed to reflect Renault’s advanced engineering and its reputation for producing reliable and stylish vehicles.
(2002 – 2004)
The 2002 version saw the three-dimensional diamond-shaped emblem with metallic shading fitted into a dark yellow rectangle. The brand name at the bottom was written in a bold sans-serif typeface with massive serifs.
(2004 – 2007)
By 2004, the previous logo was further refined to make it appear more vibrant and recognisable. The yellow colour represented energy, optimism, and innovation. It aligned with Renault’s strategy of producing eco-friendly and customer-focused vehicles. The typography of the brand name was changed to Renault identite and looked more compact.
(2007 – 2015)
Designed by Eric de Berranger, the logo was a rework of the earlier logo and combined both thick and thin lines. However, the brand name in black uppercase was incorporated within the yellow square and placed below the diamond-shaped emblem with a metallic sheen.
(2015 – 2021)
In 2015, Renault adopted a more minimalist and flat design for its logo by removing the three-dimensional effects. The diamond-shaped emblem with a metallic sheen remained prominent, but the design became sleeker and more adaptable for digital media. The brand name written in a stylish custom Renault Life bold typeface in uppercase was placed below the emblem.
(2018)
The 2018 logo was a departure from the previous logo and featured thick black stripes placed horizontally in a diamond shape against a white background. At the centre of this abstract logo was the brand name written in uppercase and using a bold custom typeface.
(2021 – Present)
In 2021, Renault unveiled a new flat and minimalist logo, which was inspired by the 1972 Vasarely Diamond but with a modern twist. Designed by Gilles Vital, the updated logo featured a sleek, monochrome diamond design using broken lines to represent a labyrinth. This change aligned with Renault’s transition towards electrification and digital transformation. The custom typography used to write the brand name was Nouvel R.
The Elements of the Renault Logo
Font
The Renault logo has used several fonts to render its wordmarks. These include Century Gothic Bold, Compact Light, Renault MN Bold, Renault Identité, Renault Life Bold, and Nouvel R.
Colour
The colour palette used in the Renault logo has remained consistent. These include grey (silver, metallic), yellow, white, and black.
The History of Renault
Renault is a name that is synonymous with innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. It boasts a rich history that spans over a century. Renault was founded on December 24, 1898, by Louis Renault and his brothers, Marcel and Fernand Renault. The company was officially registered as Société Renault Frères in 1899.
It began its journey as a pioneer in early car designs and went on to revolutionise Formula 1 racing and electric mobility. Louis Renault, who was a passionate engineer, built his first car, the Renault Voiturette 1CV, in 1898. He demonstrated the efficiency of the vehicle by driving it up Rue Lepic in Montmartre, which is a steep hill in Paris. This demonstration led to Renault making its first sales and facilitated its entry into the automobile business.
By 1900, Renault began producing small vehicles with De Dion-Bouton engines and introduced the concept of direct drive transmission, which was a groundbreaking innovation at the time. Renault quickly gained recognition in motorsports. In 1906, a Renault car driven by Ferenc Szisz won the first-ever Grand Prix race, held in Le Mans, France. This victory brought widespread attention to Renault’s superior engineering and helped the brand establish itself as a leading automobile manufacturer.
During World War I, Renault shifted its focus from manufacturing civilian vehicles to military ones. Consequently, the company produced ambulances, aircraft engines, and military trucks for the French army. However, Renault’s most significant contribution to the war effort was the Renault FT-17 tank, which was introduced in 1917. This lightweight, manoeuvrable tank played a key role in modern warfare and became one of the most influential tank designs in history. After the war, Renault was recognised as a national asset in France and resumed automobile production.
In the 1920s, Renault expanded its vehicle lineup and started producing models for both the luxury and mass markets. It introduced cars like the Renault 6CV, Renault Monasix, and the Renault Vivasix. During this period, Renault also diversified into producing commercial vehicles, buses, and agricultural machinery. The company became a significant player in public transportation and supplied buses and taxis across major European cities. By the 1930s, Renault’s reputation grew as it continued innovating. The company introduced its first streamlined model, the Renault Nervastella, which reflected the emerging Art Deco design trends of the time.
World War II proved to be a difficult period for Renault. During the German occupation of France, Renault was forced to produce vehicles and machinery for the Nazi regime. The company’s factories were heavily bombed by Allied forces in 1942 and 1943, which damaged its production capabilities significantly.
After the war ended, Louis Renault was accused of collaborating with the Nazis and was arrested in 1944. He died in prison before standing trial. As a result, the French government nationalised Renault in 1945 and renamed it Régie Nationale des Usines Renault (RNUR). Despite these challenges, Renault quickly recovered and introduced its first post-war car, the Renault 4CV, in 1946. It was an affordable, compact vehicle that became a massive success and marked the return of Renault as a major automaker.
During the 1950s and 1960s, Renault focused on producing affordable, practical cars for a growing middle class in France and beyond. The company introduced several iconic models, some of which are given below:
- Renault 4 (1961) – The first mass-produced hatchback, known for its durability and versatility.
- Renault 16 (1965) – One of the first vehicles to introduce a modern hatchback design with a spacious interior.
- Renault 5 (1972) – A small, economical city car that became hugely popular across Europe.
Renault also expanded globally and established production plants in Spain, Africa, and Latin America. It became one of the leading European automakers by the late 1970s. The 1980s were a challenging time for Renault. Financial difficulties and labour strikes affected the company’s growth. In 1996, the French government privatised Renault, which allowed for more flexibility in operations.
Despite these struggles, Renault made major breakthroughs in Formula 1 racing by creating turbocharged engines in the late 1970s and dominating the sport in the 1990s and 2000s. In fact, Renault-powered cars won multiple Formula 1 World Championships, with drivers like Alain Prost, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel.
The 2000s and 2010s saw Renault focus on technological advancements and sustainability. The key milestones of the era include:
- The Renault-Nissan Alliance (1999) – Renault formed a strategic partnership with Nissan, which later expanded to include Mitsubishi. This created one of the world’s largest automotive groups.
- Introduction of Electric Vehicles – Renault became a pioneer in electric mobility as it launched models like the Renault Zoe (2012), which became the best-selling electric car in Europe.
- Autonomous and Connected Technology – Renault invested in autonomous driving, AI, and digital connectivity, which aligned with the future of smart transportation.
Interesting Facts About Renault
- Renault made history by winning the first-ever Grand Prix race in 1906. The race was held in Le Mans, France, and was won by Ferenc Szisz, a Hungarian driver, in a Renault Type AK. This victory put Renault on the global motorsport map.
- Renault introduced one of the first mass-produced hatchbacks, the Renault 16 (1965). The car featured a folding rear seat and a large rear hatch, which set the standard for modern hatchback designs seen today.
- During World War I, Renault designed the FT-17, the first tank to feature a rotating turret. This design became the blueprint for nearly all modern tanks and played a significant role in military history.
- Renault introduced turbocharged engines in Formula 1 in the 1970s, revolutionising the sport. The Renault RS01 (1977) was the first F1 car to feature a turbo engine, which led to the dominance of Renault in the sport.
- Renault-powered cars have won numerous F1 World Championships, as shown below:
- Fernando Alonso’s back-to-back titles (2005 & 2006) with Renault F1 Team
- Sebastian Vettel’s four consecutive titles (2010-2013) with Red Bull-Renault
- At one point, Renault controlled several luxury brands, including Bugatti, Berliet, and Delahaye. However, it later focused on mass-market vehicles and innovation rather than high-end luxury cars.
- The Renault 4 (1961) was one of the world’s first compact crossover vehicles. It combined the practicality of a small car with the versatility of an SUV. It was many decades before the crossover segment became popular.
- Renault has been a pioneer in electric vehicles (EVs). For instance, the Renault Zoe, launched in 2012, has been the best-selling electric car in Europe, with over 400,000 units sold as of 2023.
- The Renault 6CV (1925) was among the first production cars with front-wheel drive. It was a technology that is now common in most modern vehicles.
- The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, formed in 1999, is one of the world’s largest automobile alliances. It sold over 10 million vehicles annually.
- In 1956, Renault collaborated with the helicopter manufacturer SNCASO to create the Renault Étoile Filante, a jet-powered concept car. It reached speeds of 308.9 km/h (192 mph) and set a world speed record for turbine-powered cars.
- After World War II, the French government nationalised Renault in 1945. It remained a state-owned company until 1996, when it was privatised to expand globally.
- Renault launched the Twingo in 1993, which was a compact and quirky city car. The name “Twingo” is a combination of “Twist,” “Swing,” and “Tango,” reflecting its fun and playful design.
- Besides cars, Renault has been involved in manufacturing trains, military vehicles, aircraft engines, and even submarines for the French Navy.
- Renault has created several futuristic concept cars, including:
- Renault Espace F1 (1994) – A Formula 1-powered minivan with a V10 engine producing 820 horsepower!
- Renault Trezor (2016) – A sleek, fully electric autonomous concept car with a one-piece canopy door.
- In 2018, Renault unveiled the EZ-GO, which was a fully autonomous concept car with no steering wheel or pedals. It was designed for urban mobility and ride-sharing.
- The Renault 5 Turbo (1980) was a small hatchback with a massive mid-engine that was built for rally racing. It became one of the most iconic rally cars of the 1980s and won multiple championships.
- In 1951, Renault introduced the crumple zone, which is a pioneering safety feature designed to absorb impact energy in a crash. This technology is now a standard in all modern vehicles.
- During the Nazi occupation of France, Renault secretly developed the 4CV. It hid the prototype in fake wooden crates to avoid detection. After the war, it became a bestseller in France.
- Renault cars have appeared in several James Bond films, including the famous Renault 11 taxi chase scene in “A View to a Kill” (1985), where Bond drives a Renault that gets sliced in half!
Finally
The Renault logo has undergone several transformations over the past century. It evolved from a simple monogram to a bold diamond symbol that represents innovation, strength, and modernity. Each version of the logo reflects a different phase in Renault’s journey—from its early years in automobile racing and wartime production to becoming a global leader in electric mobility.