Carmakers Trade Their Crests for Clean Flat Logos

Autocar reports that Vauxhall and McLaren have both adopted new emblems that are bold, simple and clean. The outlet frames the changes as part of a wider movement in which car brands are stripping their badges down to basic, flat shapes. According to Autocar, the Vauxhall griffin, a long-standing feature of the brand's identity, is now drawn in a more basic, two-dimensional style than before.

The most noticeable change to the griffin is that it no longer holds a flag. Autocar points out that this is the first time in 111 years the griffin has not held one aloft. The outlet notes that the change may be incidental, but it also suggests the removal could reflect a shift in how brands think about flag imagery today.

Autocar also highlights a detail of heraldry that is central to the Vauxhall design. In traditional heraldic art, the outlet explains, female griffins were typically shown with eagle's wings, while males had spikes. The Vauxhall griffin usually has eagle's wings, which Autocar treats as a sign of the emblem's specific lineage.

The outlet describes the logo changes as part of a pattern of simplification that has affected a number of brands in recent years. Autocar questions whether this progress comes at the expense of individuality, arguing that the new designs may look similar to one another even as each brand tries to stand out.

Background

Car badges have a long history that predates modern marketing. Early automakers used emblems to signal craftsmanship, national origin, or links to coachbuilding, and many designs were detailed enough to be embossed in metal, enamel, or chrome. Heraldic motifs, such as lions, griffins, and eagles, were common because they carried associations with strength, vigilance, and heritage. For decades, a crest with fine linework was seen as a mark of prestige.

The shift toward simpler marks has accelerated as logos have moved onto screens. A badge that reads well on a bonnet can look cluttered as a small icon on a phone, a dashboard display, or a browser tab. Flat, two-dimensional designs tend to scale well, reproduce cleanly in one colour, and feel consistent across digital platforms. Many companies across different industries have followed this path, and the car industry has been no exception.

Vauxhall is a British brand with a history that stretches back to the nineteenth century, and its griffin emblem has been a recognisable part of its identity for generations. The brand now sits within a larger international group, which means that design decisions often reflect wider global branding strategies as well as local heritage. McLaren, the British performance car and racing company, has a more recent badge history, though its identity is closely tied to its motorsport roots.

Logo changes are rarely just about looks. A redesign can signal a new direction, a shift in target customers, or a move toward electric and digital products. It can also carry risk, since long-held symbols are part of how loyal customers recognise a brand. Designers must balance modernity with memory, and the outcome often depends on whether the new mark still feels like the same company to the people who have known the old one for years.

Why it matters

For car enthusiasts, a badge is more than a logo. It is a small piece of identity that appears on the front of a car, the steering wheel, and the wheel centre cap. When a familiar emblem changes, owners and fans often react strongly because it touches on memory, pride, and the sense of belonging to a particular marque. Autocar's question about individuality speaks to this concern: if every brand looks increasingly alike, the variety that once made car culture interesting may gradually fade.

The stakes are also commercial. Brands spend heavily to build recognition, and a change that confuses buyers or weakens their connection to a symbol can be costly. At the same time, a dated emblem can make a brand look out of step, particularly as newer buyers grow up with digital interfaces rather than printed catalogues. The tension between tradition and relevance is one reason these redesigns attract so much debate.

The changes also say something about how car companies see themselves now. Electrification, software-defined features, and digital sales channels are reshaping the industry, and many manufacturers are presenting cleaner, more modern identities to match. Whether the new marks feel like a natural evolution or a loss of character will depend on how they are used across cars, showrooms, and advertising over time.

There is also a question of what a logo should do. A simple emblem may be easier to recognise at a glance, but a more detailed one can carry stories that connect a brand to its past. Autocar's piece invites readers to consider which of these qualities matters more, and whether the industry is giving up something valuable in the pursuit of simplicity.

What to watch

The most useful signal will be how the new emblems appear on real vehicles. A badge that looks sharp on a screen may look different on a grille, a boot lid, or a steering wheel, and the reaction of owners and dealers will be telling. Watch whether the changes are rolled out gradually or applied across entire model ranges at once.

It will also be worth tracking whether other manufacturers follow the same path. A single redesign can be an isolated decision, but a wave of similar marks would suggest a broader shift in how the car industry approaches identity. Observers should also look for any explanation from the companies themselves about the reasoning behind each change, including the decision to remove the griffin's flag.

Finally, pay attention to whether the new designs age well. Simple logos can feel timeless or quickly look dated, and the test will come over the next few years as the marks settle into everyday use.