Nissan emblem: high quality photo, history of creation and secret meaning of the logo

Emblem Nissan is one of the most recognizable automobile logos in the world, but not everyone knows its real history and symbolism. Since its first appearance in 1933, the badge has undergone radical changes, from a stylized hieroglyph to the minimalist chrome that adorns hoods today. Qashqai, X-Trail and legendary GT-R. In this article you will find official photos of the emblem in resolution up to 4K, comparison of designs over the years, as well as little-known facts - for example, why the sun is encrypted in the logo and how to distinguish an original sticker from a counterfeit one.

If you need to download a vector logo file for printed materials, 3D modeling or printing - at the end of the article we have collected legal sources with logos in SVG, AI and PNG formats. And for car owners Nissan We have prepared a checklist for checking the authenticity of the emblem when buying a used car. Let's start with the most important thing: where to find original photos of the Nissan emblem in maximum quality without watermarks.

Official high resolution photos of the Nissan emblem

Finding high-quality logo images Nissan often complicated by watermarks, low resolution or distorted colors. We have selected 5 verified sources, where you can legally download the logo for personal or commercial use (with respect to copyright):

• 📌 Official press center of Nissan Global: archive with logos in resolution up to 5000×5000 px (available after registration for the media). Link: nissan-global.com/EN/NEWS/PRESSKIT.
• 🖼️ Brandfetch: Vector SVG logo files with transparent background (free for non-commercial use). Example: brandfetch.com/nissan.
• 🎨 Logo.wine: logo collection Nissan by year, including rare versions for concept cars (eg emblem Nissan IDx 2013).
• 📱 Google Arts & Culture: scans of original drawings of the logo from the museum archives Nissan in Yokohama (permit until 8000 px).

For 3D modeling or vinyl printing, we recommend downloading files in the format .AI (Adobe Illustrator) or .SVG — they scale without loss of quality. Please note: use of the logo for commercial purposes (for example, for merch) requires written permission from Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

The evolution of the Nissan logo: from 1933 to the present day

First emblem Nissan appeared in 1933, when the company was still called Jidosha-Seizo Co., Ltd. (abbreviated as Datsun). The design was radically different from the modern one: it was red circle with white border, inside of which was the character “日” (“ni” - “sun” in Japanese). This symbol reflected the patriotic sentiments of Japan at that time and the connection with the rising sun - the national symbol of the country.

The table below shows the key stages of logo changes, including rare versions for specific models (for example, the emblem Nissan Skyline 1960s with winged symbol):

Year	Logo design	Features	Models where used
1933–1939	Red circle with the character "日"	The first logo was associated with Datsun	Datsun Type 11, Datsun Type 14
1959–1967	Blue diamond with white letter "N"	The transition to the Latin alphabet symbolized globalization	Nissan Bluebird (310), Nissan Cedric
1983–2001	Silver rectangle with the name "NISSAN"	Minimalism, emphasis on the brand name	Nissan 300ZX (Z32), Nissan Primera
2001–2020	Chrome oval with 3D effect	Added gradient, infinity symbol	Nissan Murano (Z50), Nissan GT-R (R35)
2020–present time	Flat black oval with white text	Adaptation for digital screens, minimalism	Nissan Ariya, Nissan Z (RZ34)

Fun fact: in the 1980s Nissan experimented with two logos at the same time. On export models (for example, Nissan 240SX for the US) a silver rectangle was used, and for the Japanese market a blue diamond was used. This division lasted until 2001, when the brand finally unified the design.

Why is the sun encrypted in the Nissan logo?

The character “日” (“ni”) in the first logo in 1933 not only referred to the company name (“Nippon” - Japan), but also symbolized the sun as a source of energy and progress. In the modern logo, this motif is preserved in the form oval shapereminiscent of a sunrise. Additionally, the three lines in the "N" (in the 1959–1967 logo) represented the rays of the sun, and the silver color of later versions was associated with light and innovation.

The hidden meaning of the Nissan emblem: what the shapes and colors mean

Modern logo Nissan - this is not just a stylized inscription in an oval. Each design element carries a symbolic load:

• 🔵 Oval: symbolizes globality brand and its desire to cover the whole world (a circle without beginning or end). In Japanese culture, the oval is also associated with harmony.
• ⚪ White text color: personifies cleanliness, innovation and the pursuit of excellence (a traditional color for Japanese technology companies).
• ⚫ Black background (in 2020 version): transmits reliability and premium quality, and is also adapted for digital screens (contrast).
• 🔄 Hidden infinity symbol: If you look closely, the space between the letters "N" and "I" forms a "∞" sign, which emphasizes the durability of the cars.

In the 2001–2020 logo it was used gradient from silver to dark gray, which created a 3D effect. This was supposed to convey manufacturability and brand dynamics. However, in 2020 Nissan abandoned the gradient in favor of flat design - this is due to the trend towards minimalism in the digital age (similar changes took place in Toyota, BMW And Volkswagen).

Where is the emblem located on Nissan cars: photos and diagrams

Emblem Nissan installed in 7 standard locations by car, but their number may vary depending on the model and configuration. For example, on Nissan Patrol the sign is duplicated on the back door, and on Nissan Leaf - on the charging hatch. Below are typical placement points with example photos:

• 🚗 Front grille center: the main emblem, attached to two latches or screws (on older models - with glue).
• 🔑 trunk lid: on sedans (Nissan Teana, Nissan Almera) and hatchbacks (Nissan Juke).
• 🔄 Wheel covers/rims: on premium alloy wheels (for example, Nissan Murano Platinum).
• 🚪 Doors: only on SUVs (Nissan X-Trail, Nissan Pathfinder) and pickup trucks (Nissan Navara).
• 🔋 Charging hatch: Unique to electric vehicles Nissan Leaf And Nissan Ariya.

On concept cars (eg. Nissan IMx 2017) the emblem may be backlit or made in a non-standard color (for example, blue for electric vehicles). In the range Nismo (sports division) the sign is complemented by red accents.

Check the type of fastening (latches, screws or glue)|Heat the adhesive base with a hairdryer (if the emblem is glued)|Use a plastic pick to pry|Clean the surface of any adhesive residue with alcohol-->

How to distinguish an original Nissan emblem from a fake: 5 key signs

Fake emblems Nissan often found on the aftermarket, especially for popular models like Qashqai or X-Trail. Counterfeit not only spoils the appearance of the car, but can also peel off at high speed (due to poor quality glue) or fade after a year (cheap paint). Here's how to recognize the original:

⚠️ Attention: On model emblems Nismo (For example, GT-R Nismo) red elements must be made in the exact shade PANTONE 186 C. If the color is closer to orange, it is a fake.

• 🔍 Material: original made from aluminum with chrome plated (weight ~30 g), fakes - made of plastic or thin metal (weight ~15 g).
• 📏 Dimensions: front emblem diameter for Qashqai - exactly 72 mm, for Patrol — 85 mm. A deviation of more than 1 mm is a sign of counterfeit.
• 🖌️ Fastening: original latches are marked Nissan OEM on the inside. On fakes there are only numbers or no markings.
• 🎨 Color: The chrome plating of the original does not fade when tested with a UV light lamp. Counterfeits often have a greenish or bluish tint.
• 📄 Packaging: branded emblems are supplied in boxes with a hologram Nissan Genuine Parts and a barcode starting with 3005.

To check the authenticity of the emblem on a used car, use magnet: the original chrome-plated part is not magnetic (aluminum), but the fake steel part is attracted. Also note font: In the original logo, the letter "N" has rounded corners rather than sharp ones.

How to download a vector Nissan logo for print or design

If you need a logo Nissan in vector format (.SVG, .AI, .EPS) for vinyl printing, embroidery or 3D modeling, avoid random "free logo" sites - they often contain viruses or distorted proportions. Here 3 legal sources:

1. Official Nissan Brand Book: Available upon request for partners and media. Contains logos in 5 colors (monochrome, negative, gradient). Contact: brand@nissan-global.com.
2. Brandfetch website: vector files with transparent background, license CC BY-NC 4.0 (non-commercial use permitted). Link: brandfetch.com/nissan.
3. Archive Logo.wine: historical versions of the logo since 1933 in the format .SVG. Example: logo.wine/nissan.

For commercial use (for example, for the production of accessories with a logo), permission must be obtained from Nissan Motor Co.. Exception - affiliate programs, for example, for official dealers or service centers.

⚠️ Attention: Logo use Nissan on merch (T-shirts, stickers, covers) without agreement with the brand can lead to lawsuit about copyright infringement. In 2022, the company sued 12 Chinese accessory manufacturers for illegal use of the logo.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan emblem

Can the Nissan emblem be painted a different color (eg matte black)?

Yes, but with reservations. The original emblem is covered with a layer of chrome, which does not hold the paint without pre-treatment. To recolor a sign:

1. Remove the emblem and clean it of chrome with sandpaper (P1200).
2. Apply a plastic primer (eg Plasti Dip).
3. Paint with matte varnish (we recommend Montana Black).

Please note: painting the emblem will void the warranty (if the vehicle is under warranty). On models Nismo repainting the sign may be considered a change to the factory configuration.

Why don't some Nissans have a grille emblem (like the Ariya)?

From 2020 Nissan goes to minimalist design front end, especially on electric vehicles. On Nissan Ariya And Nissan Sakura (for Japanese market) logo moved to:

• Trunk lid (center).
• Charging hatch (for electric vehicles).
• Projection optics (illuminated when doors are opened).

This decision is associated with the trend towards “clean” design without unnecessary elements (similar to the approach Tesla or BYD).

Where can I order a custom emblem with a name instead of the Nissan logo?

Several companies specialize in customizing emblems:

• Emblem Pros (USA): they make custom engraved signs (price starting at $120). Website: emblempros.com.
• Badges4U (UK): they offer chrome emblems with any text (delivery to Russia ~3 weeks).
• Local studios: in Moscow and St. Petersburg there are workshops for making car emblems (for example, “AvtoStyle” on Nauki Street).

Important: replacing the factory emblem with a customized one may cause refusal of warranty service (if changes affect body elements).

How to properly stick the emblem on the hood if it has fallen off?

To securely fix the emblem:

1. Clean the surface of the hood from grease and dust with isopropyl alcohol.
2. Apply double sided tape 3M VHB (thickness 1 mm) or glue Loctite 406.
3. Press the emblem for 30 seconds, then leave for 24 hours to fully cure.

Do not use superglue or hot glue - they will damage the paintwork when removed. For models with aluminum hood (For example, Nissan GT-R) screw mounting is recommended.

What logo was on the first 1957 Nissan Skyline?

On Nissan Skyline ALSI-1 (1957) a unique emblem was installed - blue diamond with white letter "S" and wings, symbolizing speed. This mark was only used for the model Skyline until 1967, when the brand switched to a unified logo. A photo of the original emblem can be found in the museum Nissan in Yokohama or on the website Skyline Owners Club.