Roewe Logo

Brand Overview

Roewe was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Shanghai as a marque of SAIC Motor. The brand originated when SAIC attempted to buy the Rover brand from BMW around 2005 but the name was sold to Ford in 2006. In response SAIC created the Roewe marque using technology from the defunct MG Rover.

The Chinese name 荣威 (Róngwēi) literally means Glorious power. SAIC officially states the name also derives from the German word Löwe for lion, pronounced similarly to Roewe by Chinese speakers. This dual connection directly influenced the choice of lion imagery in the Roewe emblem.

Name Origin and Meaning

The brand name Roewe serves as a transliteration of Rover while also carrying the meaning of glorious power from its Chinese characters. The official explanation links it to Löwe, reinforcing the lion symbolism chosen for the Roewe car logo. This etymology ties the brand identity to both its Rover heritage and the new Chinese marque.

The Roewe logo meaning therefore reflects strength and power through its lion elements, created to establish an independent identity after the failed Rover acquisition.

Roewe Logo Evolution

2007 – 2018: Original Lion Crest

The first Roewe logo was introduced with the brand launch and closely referenced the Rover design while adding distinct Chinese elements. It formed the core Roewe symbol for over a decade.

• Design: Two lions surrounding a sword with a Gothic R at the center inside a shield
• Colors: Red and black checkerboard background inspired by BMW colors but adapted
• Changes: Removed the longship from the original Rover logo and replaced it with two lions and a sword using Chinese-style lions
• Context: Created in 2007 for the first Roewe vehicle based on the Rover 75 after the 2006 brand founding

2018 – Present: Modernized Blue Emblem

The current Roewe logo was updated in 2018 to reflect a shift toward technology and innovation while retaining the core shield heritage. This redesign modernized the Roewe car symbol for the era of internet-connected and electric vehicles.

• Design: Simplified shield retaining the overall shape of the previous crest with capital letters Roewe placed below
• Colors: New blue color introduced to represent innovation and high quality
• Changes: Removed the checkerboard background and the two lions with sword for a cleaner appearance
• Context: Aligned with the 2016 strategic move to alphanumeric naming and new vehicle technologies following the 2015 Vision-R concept

Brand History Milestones

• 2005-2006: SAIC fails to acquire Rover brand name from BMW and creates Roewe as direct replacement
• 2006: Roewe marque officially launched using technology from defunct MG Rover
• 2007: First Roewe vehicle introduced featuring the original Roewe badge
• 2015: Vision-R concept previews new design language
• 2016: Strategic shift to alphanumeric naming and focus on internet-connected and electric vehicles
• 2018: Logo updated to reflect new brand direction
• 2024: Rising Auto brand rolled back into Roewe as premium electric product line

These milestones shaped both the Roewe logo history and the brand’s positioning in the Chinese market.

Legacy and Visual Identity

The Roewe emblem continues to represent the brand’s origins in the Rover attempt while establishing its own identity through lion symbolism. From the detailed 2007-2018 design to the streamlined 2018-present version, the Roewe logo evolution shows a balance between heritage and modernity.

Designers and enthusiasts often seek Roewe logo png, Roewe logo transparent background, Roewe logo hd, and Roewe logo images for reference. The Roewe car symbol remains a distinctive crest in the automotive world, embodying the brand’s story from its 2006 founding through its focus on future mobility. The Roewe badge has adapted over time while preserving the shield shape that connects its entire visual history.