Mazda may soon be updating its logo, or a minimum of adding a new edition of it. On Monday the corporate entered a trademark application to the Japan Patent Office showing a brand new design for its “flying M” badge.
As reported by AutoGuide, the brand was granted a trademark in Japan, and appears to be a flattened version of its current logo. The 2D look is trending nowadays, as 3D badges make way for logos projected onto screens. A recent concept has already used a 2D version of the present crest. The Arata concept, unveiled in China and which looks like a next-gen electric CX-5, uses an illuminated logo on a solid panel where a standard 3D logo and grille could be.
Two-dimensional logos are preferred in tech, where its appearance on a screen takes priority over a physical badge. Skeuomorphic design, which translates a standard 3D emblem right into a 2D image, can present its own problems because fake highlights and shadows have to be designed into the flat likeness. Nonetheless, the result can look a bit plain to those accustomed to traditional badges.
Mazda is just the newest company to easily and flatten its logo. Mini, Volkswagen, GM, Nissan and Honda have all altered their logos lately to go from a 3D symbol to an anti-skeuomorphic image.
Mazda’s plans for the brand aren’t certain yet. It may very well be EV-only applications, or it might replace the chrome badge throughout the lineup.
This Article First Appeared At www.autoblog.com
