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THE technology and retro-styling of Renault’s latest electric “5” prototype was probably too overwhelming to notice that the nose cone was wearing a new logo.

Now Renault has made that new logo official, with the design following current trends by other car-makers to create a two-dimensional badge that sits easily on digital platforms.

The look ties Renault into its upcoming major push to electrification.

The new design follows the trend for two-dimensional logos, which have become popular because they display better than 3D designs in digital form.

Renault first showed the retro-influenced new logo on the 5 concept car at its Renaulution event, where Renault design director Gilles Vidal described the 5 concept car as “a formidable testing ground.”

“In view of the enthusiasm and the very positive feedback we received about the logo, we decided to launch it,” he said.

Renault joins a host of car-makers adopting new logos.

Peugeot was the last car company to redesign its logo saying it would reflect its manufacture of electric vehicles. Last year Nissan ditched the chrome Nissan badge and earlier this year GM changed its logo to reflect its drive towards an “all-electric future” by incorporating the shape of an electrical plug.

Kia Motors also unveiled an angular version of its logo that “resembles a handwritten signature” as part of its new focus on creating electric vehicles.

BMW’s new logo was rolled out globally from March 2020 continuing through to the end of May 2021. It is being used for all online and offline communications, as well as international trade fairs and events.

BMW said it will not completely replace the existing logo which will instead co-exist alongside the original.

In addition, Volkswagen announced its new simplified logo late last year.

The new Renault double-diamond logo has been seen in the latest European ads for the Zoe EV.

Renault said the badge will be gradually introduced across the range as models are refreshed or replaced and expects it to be featured on every Renault model by 2024.

The new logo is the ninth to use the diamond shape that Renault first adopted in 1925. Initial designs featured horizontal stripes filling the diamond, but these were phased out in 1972.

The current version of the logo was created in 1992 and has been revised four times, most recently in 2015.

The new logo has two intertwined black lines and follows the style of the popular 1972 design which Renault used for 20 years.

Renault said the previous logo was deemed complex and suggested it created some readability issues when reduced in size.

The latest one is said to be coherent and readable in every size, media and material and ideal for use when embossed or stitched.

Renault quits Daimler stake

In other Renault news, the company announced it has sold its entire shareholding in Daimler AG.

It sold 16.45 million shares that represented 1.54 per cent of Daimler’s share capital at  €69.50 ($A107) each, giving a return of €1.143 billion ($A1.76 billion).

The shares went to investors. Renault said the proceeds would “accelerate the financial deleveraging of its automotive activity.”

“The industrial partnership between the Renault Group and Daimler remains unchanged and is not impacted by this financial transaction,” it said.

By Neil Dowling

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