The Story Behind BMW’s Umbrella Logo (A Look at the Iconic Design)

The BMW logo is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. It features a blue and white roundel with the letters “BMW” in the center. However, there is more to the logo than meets the eye. In this article, we will take a closer look at the iconic design and explore the story behind BMW’s umbrella logo.

The History of BMW

BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke, which translates to Bavarian Motor Works in English. The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines. After World War I, BMW shifted its focus to the production of motorcycles and later, automobiles.

In the 1920s, BMW began using a circular emblem with blue and white colors to represent its brand. The colors were inspired by the Bavarian flag, which features blue and white stripes. The emblem was also designed to resemble a spinning propeller, paying homage to BMW’s roots in aviation.

The Evolution of the Logo

Over the years, the BMW logo has undergone several changes. In the 1930s, the emblem was simplified and the letters “BMW” were added to the center. In the 1950s, the design was further refined, with the blue and white colors being inverted to create a more modern look.

In the 1960s, BMW introduced the iconic “umbrella” logo that is still used today. The logo features a black ring surrounding the blue and white roundel, giving it the appearance of an umbrella. The design was created by graphic designer Karl Schwanzer, who was commissioned by BMW to create a new corporate identity.

The Inspiration for the Umbrella Logo

There are several theories about the inspiration behind the umbrella logo. One theory is that it was inspired by the shape of the Olympic Stadium in Munich, which was designed by Schwanzer. The stadium had a distinctive roof that resembled an umbrella, and it is believed that Schwanzer incorporated this design into the BMW logo.

Another theory is that the umbrella logo was inspired by the circular shape of a steering wheel. This theory suggests that the black ring represents the steering wheel, while the blue and white roundel represents the BMW badge.

Regardless of the inspiration behind the design, the umbrella logo has become synonymous with the BMW brand. It is instantly recognizable and has helped to establish BMW as a premium automotive brand.

Conclusion

The BMW umbrella logo is a testament to the power of good design. It is a simple yet effective design that has stood the test of time. The logo is a visual representation of BMW’s commitment to innovation, quality, and style. It is a symbol of the company’s rich history and its vision for the future.

BMW’s logo is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world. But have you ever wondered why the logo features an umbrella-like shape? In this article, we will explore the story behind BMW’s iconic logo and the meaning behind its design.

Q: What does the BMW logo mean?

A: The BMW logo is made up of a blue and white roundel, which is divided into four quadrants. The blue and white colors represent the Bavarian state colors, where BMW is headquartered. The quadrants are said to represent the rotating blades of an airplane propeller, as BMW originally produced aircraft engines. However, the logo’s most distinctive feature is its circular shape, which resembles an umbrella.

Q: Why does the BMW logo look like an umbrella?

A: The circular shape of the BMW logo was inspired by the company’s origins as an aircraft engine manufacturer. During World War I, BMW produced aircraft engines for the German military, and the company’s logo at the time featured a circular design with a propeller. After the war, BMW shifted its focus to producing motorcycles and eventually cars, but the circular logo remained.

Q: Is there any other meaning behind the BMW logo’s umbrella shape?

A: While the circular shape of the logo was initially inspired by the propellers of aircraft engines, the umbrella shape has also been interpreted as a symbol of protection and safety. BMW has long been associated with quality and reliability, and the umbrella shape of the logo may be a subtle nod to the company’s commitment to keeping its customers safe on the road.

Q: Has the BMW logo always looked the same?

A: The basic design of the BMW logo has remained unchanged since it was first introduced in 1917. However, there have been some minor modifications to the logo over the years. For example, the blue and white colors were inverted during the 1930s, and the edges of the quadrants were smoothed out in the 1950s. The most recent update to the logo was in 2020, when BMW introduced a new, flatter version of the logo for its electric vehicles.

In conclusion, the BMW logo is a symbol of the company’s rich history and commitment to quality and safety. While the circular shape of the logo was originally inspired by aircraft engines, its umbrella-like design has come to represent protection and reliability.