Mazda Logo - Design and History |
 | Mazda Motor Corporation is a Japanese automotive manufacturer based in Hiroshima, Japan. It is said that Mazda coincides with the anglicized pronunciation of the founder's name, Jujiro Matsuda, who was interested in spirituality, and chose to rename the firm in honor of both his family and Zoroastrianism. The word Mazda derives from Ahura Mazda, the Avestan language name for a divinity exalted by the ancient Iranian prophet Zoroaster, as the source of wisdom, intelligence and harmony. The current logo attempts to capture the spirit of Mazda, the stylised "M" evokes an image of wings in flight and symbolises the Mazda’s flight toward the future. The "V" in the centre of the "M" spreads out like an opening fan, representing the creativity, vitalty, flexibilty and passion that is Mazda. The symbol as a whole expresses the sharp, solid feeling that Mazda will be seeking in all of its products. The dynamic circle symbolises our readiness to spread our wings as we enter the 21st century. |
 | 1934 - This mark became the registered trademark for Mazda when production commenced on our three wheel trucks. The name ‘Mazda’ represents a combination of 'Ahura-Mazda', the name of an ancient god, and Jujiro Matsuda, founder of the Mazda Corporation. |
 | 1936 - Similar to the emblem of Hiroshima city, this mark expresses Mazda’s strong links to its hometown of Hiroshima. The “m” shaped curve symbolises Mazda Motor Manufacturer. The image of wings represents Mazda’s agility, speed and capability to soar to new heights. |
 | 1959 - Mazda created the classic “M’ to coincide with the launch of its first passenger cars. Symbol and corporate mark as seen on most Mazda cars until 1975 |
 | 1975 - This mark was introduced at the same time as Mazda’s new Corporate Identity System (CIS) in 197. Between 1975 and 1991, Mazda did not have an official symbol, only a stylized version of their name; the previous blue "m" symbol was still used in some dealerships up until the 1980s, but later on a plain blue square next to the Mazda name was often used on dealer signs and documentation. |
 | 1991 - The logo shown here was introduced as the new product mark for Mazda in 1991. The shape symbolises the characteristics of wings, sun and the circle of light. |
 | 1992 - Shortly after the release of the new symbol, the design was smoothed out to reduce its similarity to Renaults. |
 | 1997 - A redesigned symbol was introduced in 1997; it is a stylized "M" meant to show Mazda stretching its wings for the future. Capturing the spirit of Mazda, the stylised "M" evokes an image of wings in flight and symbolises the Mazda’s flight toward the future. The "V" in the centre of the "M" spreads out like an opening fan, representing the creativity, vitalty, flexibilty and passion that is Mazda. The symbol as a whole expresses the sharp, solid feeling that Mazda will be seeking in all of its products. The dynamic circle symbolises our readiness to spread our wings as we enter the 21st century. |
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