#TBT Mazda Logos

Mazda emblem is more than a logo.

A logo's evolution reflects the unfolding of a brand's story through time and captures its spirit and aspirations for the future. Over its 90 years of existence, the Mazda brand has experienced a rich and fascinating evolution, and its logo has grown into one of the more recognized and respected symbols in the automotive industry.



1936

This is the first recorded corporate Mazda logo. It was the registered trademark for Mazda when production began on its three-wheel trucks. The name "Mazda" derives from Ahura Mazda, a god of wisdom, intelligence and harmony, from the earliest civilizations in western Asia. The name also is said to derive from the anglicized version of Jujiro Matsuda, the founder of Mazda's automotive business.

Mazda also introduced this brand symbol in 1936, which was inspired by the emblem of Mazda's hometown. It expresses the brand's strong link to Hiroshima city, which today is still home to the company's corporate headquarters. The peaks in the logo's middle form a stylized triple "M" symbolizing "Mazda as a motor manufacturer." The wings on both sides represent Mazda's agility, speed and ability to soar to new heights.

Both the corporate and the brand logos were introduced at the same time to ensure that those who saw it on the company's products knew immediately that Mazda's roots lay in Hiroshima.



1959

The introduction of this classic "M" logo coincided with the launch of Mazda's passenger cars in 1959. The first vehicle to wear it was the Mazda R360 coupe - a vehicle that broke with conventions and featured several cutting-edge Mazda technologies.



1975

This timeless logo was introduced at the same time as Mazda's new corporate identity. Today, 35 years later, the logotype remains an intrinsic element of Mazda's visual identity.



1992

Introduced in 1992, this brand symbol was accompanied by Mazda's 1975-introduced corporate logo. Its shape expresses the dimension of wings, the sun and a circle of light, and was ultimately the take-off point for Mazda's current logo.



1997

This new logo was globally introduced in June 1997. It depicts the Mazda "M" whose distinctive "V" shape embodies the company stretching its wings as it soars into the future. It represents the creativity, the sense of mission and vitality that are Mazda - in other words, the quest to continuously grow and improve. In 2000, this philosophy was enhanced with the introduction of the Zoom-Zoom tagline to express the "emotion of motion" built into Mazda vehicles. The Zoom-Zoom ethos, still very much embodied in the logo, soon appeared in the new generation of vehicles, which brought the company further along on its road to success.

This logo, and the spirit it communicates, represents a symbol of excellence and a promise to Mazda customers worldwide. It expresses the company's commitment to providing high-quality products that also deliver fun-to-drive excitement.

Reference: Motorway America

Getting Your Teen Their First Car: A How To

Make sure you're setting them up for safety right from the start.

1. Choose the Right Car

Let's face it, if you left the decision up to your teen, you would probably end up with either a huge SUV or a suped up sports car, neither of which is particularly safe for a young, new driver. However, there are plenty of options out there to make both you and your teen happy. And with the right research, you can find a car that is not only fun to drive, but also safe and reliable, too.

Choosing a midsize car is the best way to go, according to The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and the Insurance Information Institute. Depending on your budget, you can opt for either a new or used model - just make sure the car is in good condition with updated safety features like airbags and electronic stability control. Also, you'll want to check out crash test and safety ratings before making your final purchase.

Fuel efficiency is another important factor to consider, especially in today's economy. Unless you're willing to cover the cost of filling your son or daughter's tank each week, buying your teen a gas guzzler is probably not a good idea.

2. Get the Best Auto Insurance Rate

The truth is that no matter what car you choose, insuring your teen driver will increase your auto insurance rates. But there are some things that you can do to make these costs as manageable as possible. In fact, another great reason to opt for safety first at the car dealership is that it can help keep your auto insurance premiums down. Because safer cars tend to have a lower accident risk, they are usually less expensive to insure.

Another way to get the best auto insurance rates possible is to scope out potential discounts. If your teen is a full-time student, for instance, he or she may be eligible for a good student discount. Researching your options beforehand will help you to make an informed decision when trying to find the right car for your teen.

3. Set Boundaries

Choosing a good car and purchasing the right auto insurance are only the first steps in keeping your teen safe on the road. Talking with your teen about safe driving and setting clear rules and guidelines are also important. To ensure that your teen stays safe behind the wheel, you can:

• Limit the number of passengers your teen can have in his or her car at any one time;
• Establish a "no cell phone" policy to ensure that your teen does not text or call while driving;
• Discuss what to do in cases of emergency, including accidents and adverse weather conditions.