Mazda’s new mark is the 12th flat car logo in half as many years

Mazda recently revealed a simplified, flattened logo, joining a growing trend in the automotive industry. This shift reflects a broader "blanding" phenomenon impacting car branding practices. The new Mazda logo, replacing the dimensional chrome effect with a solid black line, is designed for improved digital visibility, a common driver behind these changes. Numerous automakers like Toyota, BMW, and Jaguar have similarly flattened their logos in recent years. This trend replaces older, three-dimensional logos with simpler, more minimalist designs. The move towards flatter logos follows a broader shift in graphic design, which has been prevalent for quite some time. The streamlined designs are often accompanied by sans-serif fonts and aim to become more adaptable to digital display. This logo simplification coincides with the automotive industry's focus on electric vehicles. Automakers are potentially trying to visually compete with the modern aesthetic of EV startups such as Tesla. Although designed for digital use, this trend occurs as carmakers move away from touchscreens to physical controls. It is possible this is an attempt to stay relevant in a changing market. The future may see a reconsideration of these flat logos as car interior designs evolve and preferences change.