Round Car Logos with Circles & Rings
The circle is the most common shape in car branding — balanced, badge-like and instantly readable on a grille. From BMW's roundel and Audi's four rings to Toyota's overlapping ovals, here are the car logos built around a circle or ring.
21 car brands with circles & rings in the logo.
BMW
Blue-and-white roundel
The quarters echo the Bavarian flag, not a spinning propeller as the myth goes.
Germany · 1916
Audi
Four interlocking rings
The rings represent the four founder companies of Auto Union.
Germany · 1909
Mercedes-Benz
Three-pointed star in a ring
The three points stand for motorisation on land, sea and air.
Germany · 1926
Volkswagen
V-over-W in a circle
The stacked initials of 'Volkswagen' (people's car) sit inside a ring.
Toyota
Three overlapping ellipses
Two inner ovals form a 'T' for Toyota; the outer oval represents the wider world.
Japan · 1937
Nissan
Name bar across a circle
The circle historically evoked the rising sun, with the bar carrying the company name.
Hyundai
Slanted H in an oval
The italic 'H' also reads as two figures — company and customer — shaking hands.
Lexus
L inside an oval ring
The 'L' was geometrically tuned so its curve aligns exactly with the oval.
Opel
Blitz lightning bolt in a ring
The 'Blitz' (lightning) recalls the speedy pre-war Opel Blitz truck.
Datsun
Name on a blue band over a red circle
The red disc nods to Japan's flag; the name means 'son of DAT'.
Volvo
Iron mark — ring with arrow
The ancient iron/Mars symbol salutes Sweden's steel heritage; 'Volvo' is Latin for 'I roll'.
Vauxhall
Griffin in a circle
The griffin comes from the heraldry of medieval landowner Fulk le Breaute.
Buick
Tri-shield in a chrome ring
Three shields from founder David Buick's Scottish family arms, ringed in chrome.
Mini
Winged wordmark in a roundel
The winged roundel signals classic British motoring spirit.
Alfa Romeo
Circular crest with outer ring
The round badge carries Milan's cross and the Visconti serpent.
Mazda
Winged M in an oval ring
The stylised 'M' spreads like wings to suggest flight and growth.
Škoda
Winged arrow in a ring
The winged arrow stands for progress, freedom and engineering precision.
Subaru
Six-star cluster in an oval
The stars are the Pleiades ('Subaru' in Japanese), for the firms that merged to form it.
Saab
Griffin head in a circular badge
The crowned griffin comes from the arms of Sweden's Scania region.
Holden
Lion in a circular badge
A lion rolling a stone, from the myth said to have inspired the wheel.
Perodua
Stylized P in an oval ring
A clean 'P' monogram for Malaysia's second national carmaker.
Frequently asked questions
Why are so many car logos circular?
A circle is balanced, symmetrical and reads clearly at any size on a grille or wheel — which is why it's the most common car-logo shape.