Tianma Logo

China, founded 1987

Tianma is a Chinese vehicle brand that originated in 1987 as a civilian offshoot of a People's Liberation Army Air Force vehicle-refit factory in Baoding, Hebei, producing military-style off-road SUVs, pickups and vans through the 1980s-2000s before its passenger-car ambitions collapsed under later ownership.

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Key facts

Founded
1987
Founded by
No. 9506 Factory, PLA Air Force
Country
China
Headquarters
Baoding, China
Legal name
Baoding Tianma Automobile Co., Ltd.

Brand History

Tianma was founded in 1987 by the No. 9506 Factory of the PLA Air Force in Baoding, Hebei Province. The brand name Tianma translates to Heavenly Horse or Pegasus. It began as a military enterprise producing civilian-oriented rugged utilitarian 4x4 vehicles.

The company rapidly released multiple KZ-series military-style SUVs, pickups and wagons in the late 1980s. These vehicles primarily utilized BAW BJ212 and BJ222 4x4 chassis. Wang Shanfa served as Factory Director and appeared prominently in early promotional materials.

In 1994, following military enterprise decentralization, the company was officially renamed Baoding Tianma Automobile Factory. It underwent another name change in 2002, becoming Tianma Automobile Group.

Key vehicle launches included the Tianma Century in 2005, a 5-door pickup equipped with a 2.4L 125 hp engine and a top speed of 155 km/h. The brand continued producing minicars, MPVs and updated pickup models throughout the 2000s before fading from prominence.

  • Founded 1987 by PLA Air Force No. 9506 Factory
  • Main production era from 1987 through the 2000s
  • Focused exclusively on rugged off-road SUVs, pickups and wagons
  • Key leadership figure Wang Shanfa

Tianma Logo Evolution

1987–Present: Tianma Logo Era

Tianma logo

The Tianma logo was created at the time of the brand’s founding in 1987 and has remained consistent through the 2000s. This single known logo design appears on vehicles and in marketing materials across the brand’s history, including all KZ-series models and the 2005 Tianma Century.

  • Design: Stylized T or TM within a circular form conveying fluidity and strength
  • Colors: Primarily red with white or metallic elements
  • Changes: No redesigns documented, maintaining the same core motif throughout
  • Context: Developed alongside the PLA-owned factory’s transition toward civilian vehicle production

The circular backdrop of the Tianma car logo symbolizes completeness and global reach while the dynamic lettering reflects both military precision and forward motion. This Tianma emblem was prominently displayed on bodywork of the brand’s rugged 4x4 vehicles.

Early promotional materials featuring the Tianma symbol often included Factory Director Wang Shanfa. The consistent use of the Tianma badge helped establish brand recognition for its military-origin off-road vehicles produced in Baoding.

Visitors interested in the brand frequently seek Tianma logo history to understand its connection to China’s military automotive manufacturing period. The simple yet distinctive design continues to represent the short but notable chapter of this Chinese manufacturer.

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