Quietly, GM Changes its Logo

[Titanic]

A lot of news was made today regarding loan repayment and the expediting of the Chevrolet Volt launch, but there was one tid-bit that received no coverage: GM has changed its logo.

For decades, the symbol of the General Motors Corporation was this:

Around the time of the 2009 bankruptcy filing, there was a lot of noise regarding GM abandoning the logo, or turning it green, or even changing its name to the Chevrolet Motor Company, which would necessitate a new logo. Of course, none of that happened at the time.

Advance the clock forward by about a year and GM has paid back its loans, pulled ahead key product introductions, and launched a new ad campaign featuring the new CEO (it can be viewed here). Perhaps as a sign of the real change that has taken place--and to launch a new, post-bailout era--GM is no longer using its time-worn GM logo in its advertisements or on its website. It is no longer using the "GM" abbreviation. It is now, simply written, General Motors Company.

The symbolism is important. General Motors Corporation no longer exists. With its exit, so, too, goes the era of branding the company over its actual automotive brands. The new company, down to its new logo, puts the automotive division brands on top. It is understated, it is subtle, but it is monumentally significant.

Whether this logo will be permanent or not is not known. What is known is that General Motors Company is here and it is ready to sell you a car; not an excuse for the present, not a promise of better things tomorrow, and not an apology for the past.




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[calgaryhhr]

Maybe the folks in charge were also getting tired of all the references to "Government Motors."

[mbukukanyau]

Maybe the folks in charge were also getting tired of all the references to "Government Motors."

I do not think that is their focus. their focus is winning customers.

[1931Chevy]

I got the feeling that this will be temporary, just like when Nasser changed the Blue Oval at Ford for Ford Motor Company at its HQ, Heck they should have made the change to Chevrolet Motor Company since Chevy its the bigger brand here

[Simon says]

Its kind of sad to see the Mark of Excellence go. Hopefully it will make a come back during better days. I am surprised though to see the Cadillac logo there, considering the reports that Cadillac was gong to disassociate itself form the mothership.

[Epsilon-Not]

I'm kind of curious why there's no lightning bolt, griffin, or lion

[Al63240]

Its kind of sad to see the Mark of Excellence go. Hopefully it will make a come back during better days. I am surprised though to see the Cadillac logo there, considering the reports that Cadillac was gong to disassociate itself form the mothership.

Sad that this iconic logo is no longer being used, yes. However, I am very glad that they are not putting that little chicklet GM logo on each of their cars. Good riddance to that thing.

[Simon says]

Sad that this iconic logo is no longer being used, yes. However, I am very glad that they are not putting that little chicklet GM logo on each of their cars. Good riddance to that thing.

Agreed. Whoever thought of that? Hopefully is no longer with GM.

[GMfan1111]

I'll miss the old mark of excellence logo but glad to see that GM is prepared to move forward and did anyone catch the production spec regal GS towards the end of the commercial

[2002 Caddy]

I like the new logo... It has a 1920's art-deco look to it.

[BrickTamland]

They are going to need to widen the seatbelt clickers to fit "GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY" on them.

[StormHunter77]

That's going to be hard to fit on the side of a car! Just kidding.

[LesabreLtd]

I'm kind of curious why there's no lightning bolt, griffin, or lion

If you go to their website.... www.gm.com go to the bottom and click on CONTACT US... which takes you to another page where Opel, Vauxhall, and Holden logos are featured. Strangely... the now killed by GM brands are also there... Hummer, Pontiac, and Saturn.

[zackythekid]

saw that too... Shows their more focus on individual brands

[goatgary]

Note two things:
1.)Chevy bow tie is now a matrix gold, not just a shiny uniform yellow. The actual product emblems are changing to this on the 2011s. It actualy is textured.
2.)Color "officially" dropped from the Buick emblem.