Are badges on cars getting too big?
When it comes to cars, branding is more important than ever, which is why car makers are increasing the size of the most obvious brand differentiator on their vehicles – the badge.
Volkswagen was one of the first to increase the size of the VW badge on its vehicles, particular on the grille. The logo is massive - some say it’s too much - but at least you’re not left guessing what brand it is.
With the VE Commodore Holden also increased the size of “Roary” the lion and Ford followed suit with the blue oval badge on its new FG Falcon.
There are many more examples, from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo to Mazda and Toyota.
Car makers, it seems, want everyone to recognise their wares from as far away as possible.
In many cases it works; the Ford badge on the new Falcon brings added presence to the vehicle, while the three-pointed star on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes for a bolder look. The giant Volvo badge on the grille of the Volvo XC60 also works surprisingly well.
In many ways the larger badges are indicative of cars growing – and features such as headlights and grilles getting bigger.
Surely, though, we have to be approaching the limit on the sizes of badges on some new cars?
What do you think? Are the badges on some cars too big these days? And should they get any bigger?
Toby Hagon