In branding, logos are all you can say is central; put in a nutshell, a brand’s essence and aspirations— range from a simple name insignia to innovative artworks that convey a brand’s essence.
Occasionally, brands draw inspiration from the natural world, incorporating animals and elements from nature into their logos to define their identity. The horse is among the most popular choices among the various animals featured in automotive company logos.
In order to create their identity, some firms occasionally use the natural environment as inspiration by adding animals and other elements into their logos. Among the many animals used in logos for car companies, the horse is one of the most frequently used options.
After thorough research, logo experts at Logo Magicians have found an intriguing surprise. In this piece, they shall provide an extensive list of large car makers who had chosen the horse to be represented prominently in their logo.
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Ferrari
Ferrari is an Italian luxury automaker based in Maranello, Italy, known for producing world-class supercars such as the Ferrari 456 or the LaFerrari.
During that time, a renowned Italian pilot named Francesco Baracca, celebrated for his aerial combat expertise, decorated his fighter plane with an emblem featuring a prancing horse. Tragically, he met his death in 1918. However, his family gave Enzo Ferrari permission to use this iconic horse symbol.
However, Ferrari introduced certain refinements before adorning their exclusive lineup of high-end sports cars with the prancing horse. Firstly, the horse’s orientation, initially facing left on the fighter plane, was altered to face right.
What is more? Ferrari has a yellow background in the logo – paying homage to Modena. It is the official color of Ferrari’s hometown. Thus, the Ferrari logo has since displayed speed, power, and luxury attributes.
Porsche
Since 74 years and counting (founded in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1931), the world-renowned maker of sports cars, Porsche has an impressive history. Porsche’s line of high-performance gasoline and electric vehicles has outstanding sedans and SUVs — the iconic Porsche 911, genuinely exemplifies it. Also, they have an excellent reputation in motorsports.
At the center of the logo is the black horse and the word “Stuttgart” sitting on top. Ferdinand Porsche’s brainchild and this logo was born in 1952 using the design from the city seal where he hails — Stuttgart’s coat of arms!
Over the years, the Porsche logo has undergone multiple revisions, yet the presence of the black horse has remained a steadfast symbol across generations.
Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang, a sub-brand under the Ford umbrella, boasts a level of popularity that rivals the parent company’s logo—a blue oval adorned with the “Ford” lettering. It’s important to note that Mustang isn’t a distinct brand in itself but rather comprises a range of high-performance models, including the electrifying Mustang Mach-E. The inspiration behind the Mustang logo traces its roots to an unforgettable journey undertaken by Lee Iacocca to a Texan ranch.
Here, Iacocca was captivated by the mesmerizing sight of a herd of feral Mustang horses, and it was this breathtaking encounter that prompted him to select a galloping horse as the emblematic symbol for the legendary Mustang pony car.
Bronco
In parallel to the Mustang, the Bronco is another sub-brand within the Ford portfolio. However, unlike the well-documented genesis of the Mustang logo, the origin of the Bronco logo remains shrouded in mystery, lacking formal documentation. Yet, persistent rumors suggest that it, too, drew inspiration from the wild horses of the American West.
Diverging from the dynamic gallop depicted in the Mustang logo, the Bronco logo portrays a horse in the act of bucking—a dramatic pose featuring a lowered head and elevated hindquarters, with hind legs kicked outward. This distinctive emblem conveys the adventurous spirit of the Bronco SUV, which first graced the automotive scene in 1966.
Despite being discontinued as a sub-brand in the 1990s, Ford resurrected the Bronco in 2020 with an updated Bronco logo.
A Few Honourable Mentions
While a few other manufacturers indeed feature a horse in their automotive company logo, these are not widely recognized global brands familiar to you and me. Therefore, we have included them in an honorable mention list. If you believe we have omitted any noteworthy brands, we welcome your comments and suggestions below.
Kamaz
Kamaz, a Russian heavy-duty manufacturer specializing in trucks, buses, and engines, features a distinctive logo. Their emblem showcases a running horse in a striking blue hue, with the Kamaz branding displayed beneath it. Kamaz has earned legendary status for participating in the grueling Dakar Rally, particularly with its rally trucks.
Baojun
Baojun, an auto manufacturer hailing from China, was founded in 2010 to provide more affordable alternatives to General Motors (GM) products. They are among the key components of the SAIC-GM-Wuling automobile joint venture, which also has ownership of Morris Garages (MG). Their logo prominently displays a horse’s silhouette and the Baojun lettering placed beneath it.
Eicher Motors
Eicher Motors, a prominent Indian automotive manufacturer, specializes in producing motorcycles and commercial vehicles. The company is headquartered in New Delhi and is the parent company of Royal Enfield. Eicher’s logo artfully captures the image of a galloping horse with its mane flowing in the wind.
Iran Khodro
Iran Khodro, as the name suggests, is an Iranian-based auto manufacturer. They produces vehicles such as Samand, Peugeot, and Renault cars and they also market rebadged and redesigned versions under their brand. Their logo features a stylized horse design set against a backdrop of deep blue, enclosed within a shield.
TVS Motor Company
TVS Motor Company, last but not least, specializes exclusively in two-wheelers. Headquartered in Chennai, it currently holds the position of the third-largest motorcycle manufacturer in India in terms of revenue. The TVS logo features a horse inspired by the mythical creature Pegasus from Greek mythology, known for its wings and remarkable speed and agility. This choice of symbol perfectly aligns with the company’s commitment to producing affordable yet exciting motorcycles.
TVS Motor Company maintains a joint venture with BMW Motorrad and recently acquired the iconic British two-wheeler Norton Motorcycles.
Conclusion
Finally, several auto manufacturers have put a horsy image on their logo — but in some cases for different reasons. The iconic dancing horse of Ferrari symbolizes speed and luxury; the wild galloping Mustang lent itself to the Ford Mustang logo, not to mention the rugged adventurer depicted in the Bronco logo—all these horse-based logos give.
Last but not least, a number of automakers feature a horsy motif on their emblem, though sometimes for various reasons. All these equine-based logos lend; the classic dancing horse of Ferrari represents speed and luxury; the wild galloping Mustang lends itself to the Ford Mustang emblem; not to mention the tough explorer portrayed in the Bronco logo.
There are also some small-scale brands like Kamaz, Eicher Motors, Iran Khodro, and TVS Motor Company, with horses as part of their logo, which can make car branding more colorful across many countries. These automotive company logos, as potent, symbolize the IDENTITY AS WELL AS THE MISSION OF THESE CAR COMPANIES.
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