Changan Logo

Changan Automobile stands as one of China’s leading state-owned vehicle manufacturers with roots stretching back to 1862. The brand name Changan translates to “Enduring security” in Chinese, reflecting values of stability and longevity. Established in Chongqing as a military ordnance factory, it transitioned into automobile manufacturing in 1959 with the Changjiang Type 46 Jeep and made its official shift to civilian production in 1984.

Changan Logo Evolution

1. 1957–1998
2. 1998–2010
3. 2010–2013
4. 2013–2016
5. 2016–2019
6. 2019–2020
7. 2020–Present

1957 – 1998: First Logo Era

The initial Changan logo featured a distinctive design that marked the company’s early automotive identity following its military background.

• Design: Dual arch rising in a curve enclosed in a crimson red oval
• Colors: Red, black, ivory white
• Changes: Arches conjoined at tips creating four ivory voids separated by red lines, stylized elongated letters with round edges
• Context: Represented the brand during its foundational period after beginning automobile manufacturing in 1959

1998 – 2010: Three-Dimensional Modernization

This refresh of the Changan logo introduced modern visual techniques to update the original arch design for a contemporary audience.

• Design: Enhanced version of the original arch motif with added depth
• Colors: Blue lettering, gray shading
• Changes: Added 3D effect through shading and highlighting, broadened arches, completely redesigned lettering with curvy slanted angles
• Context: First major update reflecting the company’s growing modernity after its 1984 civilian production shift

2010 – 2013: Introduction of “V” Symbol

A significant rebranding occurred when Changan introduced its core V symbol, marking a new direction for the company’s visual identity.

• Design: Rectangular emblem with thick silver border
• Colors: Silver, dark blue, white
• Changes: Stylized silver metallic V in center surrounded by chain-link pattern, Chinese characters in white below
• Context: Major redesign coinciding with increased focus on passenger vehicles, where the V represents Victory and Value

This Changan symbol became central to the brand from 2010 onward.

2013 – 2016: Circular Global Refinement

The design evolved toward greater simplicity and international appeal by removing the rectangular border in favor of a round shape.

• Design: Simplified round shape with bold central element
• Colors: Gradient blue, silver, white
• Changes: Bold V against gradient blue background, circular frame with grille-like pattern, brand name CHANGAN in capital letters below
• Context: Cleaner approach emphasizing global market recognition while maintaining the core V symbolism

2016 – 2019: Winged Metamorphosis

This era featured a more dynamic interpretation of the V motif, transforming the shape to suggest movement and strength.

• Design: Inverted arch forming broad V resembling wings
• Colors: Blue gradient
• Changes: Elongated oval turned into ring-like figure, trapezoidal edging with 3D effect
• Context: Dramatic redesign that highlighted dynamism and innovation in the brand’s visual language

2019 – 2020: Minimalist Transition

Further simplification characterized this brief transitional period as the brand moved toward cleaner aesthetics.

• Design: Further simplification of the V motif
• Colors: Solid blue, metallic silver
• Changes: Pronounced metallic V as focal point, smoother uninterrupted ring, removal of Chinese characters
• Context: Shift toward global market recognition through increased simplicity

2020 – Present: Contemporary 2D Style

The current Changan logo reflects modern design trends with its clean, flat appearance and emphasis on essential elements.

• Design: Modern flat 2D emblem featuring the stylized V letterform
• Colors: Deep blue and white
• Changes: Trapezoidal frame with double border, removal of all extraneous embellishments
• Context: Represents the brand’s maturity and contemporary outlook as a global innovative automaker

This Changan emblem maintains the core V symbol that has defined the brand since 2010.

Changan Logo Symbolism and Design Philosophy

The Changan logo meaning centers on strength, reliability, and innovation throughout its history. Early designs used red oval and arch motifs while later iterations adopted the stylized V as a core symbol representing both Victory and Value.

Primary colors in the current design are deep blue, signifying confidence, stability, and professionalism, paired with white. The brand has moved from complex three-dimensional designs featuring red, black, and gray to minimalist two-dimensional forms. Each change in the Changan logo evolution has aligned with the company’s transformation from its military enterprise origins to a forward-looking global automaker.

Key milestones in the brand’s development include its founding as a military ordnance factory in 1862, entry into automobile manufacturing in 1959, the shift to civilian vehicles in 1984, and the major logo redesign in 2010.

The enduring presence of the Changan car symbol demonstrates the company’s consistent values even as its visual presentation has modernized over time.