FAW Logo

FAW Brand History

First Automotive Works was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Changchun, Jilin province. The company is a state-owned enterprise and ranks among China’s Big Four automakers. Its Chinese name 一汽 combines the character for One with the word for automotive.

The number 1 featured in every FAW logo directly represents the Chinese character for One in the company name. FAW primarily focuses on trucks, buses, and automotive components. In 2003 it established the wholly-owned subsidiary FAW Jiefang dedicated to light, medium, and heavy truck manufacturing.

Faw Logo Evolution

1. 1964–1988
2. 1988–2000
3. 2000–2022
4. 2022–Today

1964 – 1988: Original Winged 1 Emblem

The first Faw emblem appeared in 1964 and established the core visual identity that remains recognizable today. This design used a black emblem featuring the number 1 in the center with thick horizontal lines forming two wing-like structures on either side.

• Design: Bold number 1 with horizontal wing lines referencing Chinese character strokes
• Colors: Black only
• Changes: Introduction of the winged 1 concept tied directly to the brand name meaning
• Context: Created shortly after company founding and linked to the 1953 establishment of First Automotive Works

1988 – 2000: Blue Circle Modernization

FAW updated its visual identity in 1988 while preserving the central number 1 and wing motifs. The new Faw car logo placed a stylized bold 1 inside a solid blue circle with segmented wing and industrial elements on both sides connected by horizontal lines.

• Design: Mirrored wing elements divided into three sections within a circular frame
• Colors: Blue dominant
• Changes: First major redesign adding a circular background and refined wing structure
• Context: Modernized appearance that maintained the original symbolism from the 1964 Faw symbol

2000 – 2022: Three-Dimensional Badge with Logotype

The turn of the millennium brought a more contemporary Faw badge that added depth and a wordmark. This version featured a refined original emblem with three-dimensional effect, a blue and white gradient, and a bold custom uppercase FAW logotype placed underneath in flat blue.

• Design: 3D badge paired with custom sans-serif logotype showing distinct edge cuts
• Colors: Blue, white, and silver or gray metallic finishes on vehicles
• Changes: Introduction of the FAW wordmark and gradient coloring for added dimension
• Context: Balanced the historic Faw car symbol with modern typography while retaining core elements

2022 – Today: Minimalist Blue and White

FAW introduced its current emblem in 2022, refining the design toward greater simplicity while honoring its heritage. The latest Faw logo uses a white circular boundary with a thin blue outline, a dark blue stylized 1 at the center, and simplified three-segment wing elements connected by single lines.

• Design: Clean circular frame with minimal wing details and refined 1 character
• Colors: White combined with various shades of blue
• Changes: Reduced complexity while keeping the exact number of wing segments from prior versions
• Context: Latest update in Faw logo history that emphasizes precision and clarity for contemporary applications

FAW Symbol Meaning and Legacy

The core motif across all eras is the stylized 1 representing 一汽, shaped as wings of an eagle. This design carries the meaning China FAW fly and symbolizes aspiration, forward momentum, and national industrial pride.

Blue and white have remained the consistent color palette in modern versions of the Faw emblem, representing reliability, protection, loyalty, and safety. The design philosophy connects strongly to Chinese linguistic roots while progressing toward cleaner industrial expression suitable for a major state-owned manufacturer.

The Faw logo evolution demonstrates careful stewardship of brand identity. Each update from 1964 onward has preserved the winged 1 at its center, ensuring the Faw symbol remains instantly recognizable while adapting to changing design trends. This consistent visual language reinforces FAW’s position as one of China’s foundational automotive enterprises.