Core77
It was way back in 2013 that Apple first unveiled their "flat" aesthetic for graphics. It took seven years, but automakers finally caught up, beginning with the Germans. First BMW, then Volkswagen, changed their logos early last year:
Old
New
Old
New
Later in the year the Japanese jumped on the bandwagon, with Toyota and Nissan going flat:
Old
New
Old
New
Earlier this year, GM joined the trend:
Old
New
Now Sweden--er, China--is also onboard:
Old
New
In each case, you can see that the recipe is always the same: Lose the gradations, make the letters skinnier, and switch to one or two colors.
I know Ford's been a holdout, but I'm guessing they're up next.
I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.
Webinar
Create a Core77 Account
Already have an account? Sign In
By creating a Core77 account you confirm that you accept the Terms of Use
Please enter your email and we will send an email to reset your password.
Volvo Changes Logo, Finally Joins the Flat Movement
I gotta say, relating the car logos, the new KIA logo is so much more modern and forward looking than these. Just started seeing the cars sporting the new logo and it looks like some hyper-modern alien writing. Much better than any of the above.
I love the idea of moving towards minimalism as it translates well (usually) when it comes to marketing and then implementing in a product line BUT I do think it is a bit too simple. I am not sure that using black as the primary color works in its' favor either. Maybe they should have stuck with the light grey that has been used in prior designs. This is coming from a Volvo owner as well. Good idea, not so good execution.
Yawn-o - I mean it looks fine but not everything has to be the same.