As a designer I take an interest in studying examples within the automotive world and I am sure other designers can draw inspiration from these examples for their own work. Whether it’s creating car-inspired visuals, branding mock-ups or typographic designs that merge design with automotive passion.
1. Ford
Font Type: Cursive Serif
Design Notes: Classic, simple, recognisable, this logo uses both a formal, and accessible style, reflecting the company’s values
2. McLaren
Font Type: Bold, Sporty, Sans-serif
Design Notes: Combines sport and luxury. Stays loyal to their racing heritage
3. Citroën (1980-2000)
Font Type: Simple Sans-serif
Design Notes: Bold and simple designs and typography, heavily reminiscent of its era.
4. Mercedes-Benz
Font Type: Luxurious Serif
Design Notes: A sleek, readable, and luxurious look acheived through a simple serif font.
5. Mercedes AMG
Font Type: Bold, Geometric Sans-serif
Design Notes: Bold and sporty, reflecting AMG being the sport division of Mercedes-Benz
6. Audi
Font Type: Custom geometric sans-serif
Design Notes: Clean, futuristic yet also retro, optimized for both print and digital designs
7. Toyota
Font Type: Simple Sans-serif
Design Notes: Functional and neutral, designed for global readability. Logo cleverly contains all the letters to spell out “Toyota”
8. KIA
Font Type: Futuristic Sans-serif
Design Notes: Kia’s new logo expresses digital-first thinking and its electric, high-tech future
9. TVR
Font Type: Striped Sans-serif
Design Notes: TVR uses a unique striped logo representing speed and innovation
10. Volkswagen
Font Type: Geometric Monogram
Design Notes: Classic and timeless. Works for both modern and vintage applications
11. RUF
Font Type: Connected Sans-serif Letters
Design Notes: Connects bold letters together uniquely with shapes similar to their cars, possibly representing how RUF stylises their Porsches
12. Saturn
Font Type: Futuristic Sans-serif
Design Notes: A futuristic, almost space-like theme and style reflecting their focus on innovation, although the company is now defunct
13. Mazda
Font Type: Geometric and simple
Design Notes: Retro, versatile and timeless. Has a sporty and sleek look
14. Rolls-Royce
Font Type: Luxurious Serif
Design Notes: Clean and practical with a British style. Communicates luxury and class.
15. Bugatti
Font Type: Geometric Monogram
Design Notes: Bold geometric lettering resembling their carefully crafted vehicles
As you can see from the above list, typography plays a powerful role in shaping the car brands — whether it’s the brands such as Toyota or Mercedes-Benz. Each typeface communicates a brand’s identity, from speed and innovation to heritage and craftsmanship.