Mazda has officially taken the wraps off its brand-new logo, following its trademark registration last year. The redesigned emblem made its first public appearance at the Japan Mobility Show and has already been rolled out across Mazda’s official website and digital platforms.
The new design represents Mazda’s latest step in modernising its image for a digital-first world. Mazda says the move aims to enhance brand visibility and consistency, particularly in online environments where clarity and simplicity are key.
While the overall look has been refined, Mazda has kept the core identity intact. The familiar “M” shape that resembles a pair of outstretched wings remains the centrepiece, symbolising the brand’s spirit of flight and forward motion. This motif has been part of Mazda’s identity since 1997 and was last refreshed in 2018. The latest iteration softens the edges and removes the inner shading, creating a flatter, more minimalist aesthetic that feels both timeless and modern.
This update continues a long evolution of Mazda’s logo design over the decades. The company’s first logo, introduced in 1934, was a simple calligraphic wordmark that reflected its Japanese craftsmanship and cultural pride. Two years later, Mazda unveiled a 1936 emblem featuring three overlapping “M” shapes inspired by Hiroshima’s three rivers — an early interpretation of the “wings” motif that still defines its brand today.
By the late 1950s, Mazda had shifted toward more Western-influenced design with a 1959 circular logo featured on early models such as the R360 Coupe. During the 1970s, as Mazda began its global expansion, the company simplified its branding again, opting for a clean wordmark that was easy to recognise worldwide.
In 1991, Mazda introduced the now-iconic “winged M” — a design meant to symbolise innovation and creativity. It was later refined in 1997 into the sleeker, oval form we know today, representing a pair of wings in motion. This design echoed Mazda’s “Soul of Motion” philosophy, which continues to shape its cars. A subtle metallic refresh followed in 2018, adding depth and sophistication to align with the brand’s move upmarket.
Alongside the new emblem, Mazda has also unveiled an updated wordmark featuring a simpler, more contemporary font that replaces the older, industrial-style lettering. The result is a cohesive visual identity that balances Mazda’s heritage with a cleaner, more sophisticated look suited for the digital age.
The new logo is not just a new badge for the brand, but a visual reminder of Mazda’s journey — one that continues to blend tradition, technology, and timeless design.
