Sure why not? I just read that the Detroit Lions changed theirs so what the hell...? hahaha Like the Lions, I'm not so sure how much changing a logo will really help.

 

I think GM and Chrysler could both use this. I think to save money though they should just show a dead horse any not the person beating it - that would suffice anyway.

 

I actually think he has a point here. Lets face it, people are sheep and if Ford renamed themselves "ToyNisaHonda" people would assume its Asian and buy them no questions asked.

I think they should redo the logo to show they are a new company.

I just read an article in businessweek about how Pepsi redid all their logos, going for the "iPhone" approach of simplicity. It backfired on the new Tropicana bottles, the "G" instead of Gatorade pissed off the family of the founder and the Pepsi logos now "smile" at you depending on which product (diet etc).

Branding/Marketing is vital.

 

haha, got me thinking...

Toyhondasan...

THonissan...

Toyothondissan...

lol

 

You don't just change the logo overnight. It happens over a number of years. Any new product or marketing material that is "new" comes out with the new logo. Someone else mentioned Federal Express earlier and how they had to changed all their boxes, waybills, prints etc. This is not true. FedEx Kinkos just recently announced that they are changing their name to FedEx Office. The changeover will take 4 years and any new material will have the FedEx Office brand name while supplies of the older material will still be used. When the older material is gone...the new material emerges.

If I am correct. The Toyota logo and the Lexus logo were introduced in 1989. When they introduced it in 1989 it took about 4-5 years for all of the Toyota's to change the name "TOYOTA" on the front to the logo. The last "TOYOTA" badged vehicle from what I remember was to change over was the 1995 Land Cruiser which finally adopted the logo on the grille.

 

Yes branding is vital. Ford right now says their initial quality is on par with Honda and better than Toyota. I will admit...Ford has some nice designs. It would be nice to see a fresh new look to the logo...still keep it saying Ford but make in sleek and trendy.

You mentioned how vital the branding is. I never knew what the meaning of the Toyota logo was but I found it on their site.



The current Toyota Mark consists of three ovals: the two perpendicular center ovals represent a relationship of mutual trust between the customer and Toyota. These ovals combine to symbolize the letter "T" for Toyota. The space in the background implies a global expansion of Toyota's technology and unlimited potential for the future

If Ford could come up with some kind of meaning to their name. It would mean a lot.

 

The Fedex/Kinko's cobranding was a condition of the sale of Kinkos - the ability to participate in the new brand. Now that the clock has run out on that agreement, FedEx is going to rebrand their storefronts with something that follows the oldest maxim in marketing - "Your name should say what you do". Although "FedEx Office" is a pretty smart choice, it may lead people to think it's another 'Office Depot" - an office supply store with an existing strong brand image.

Of course in some circles there is the belief that you can never underestimate the stupidity of the consumer. I would rather believe that MOST customers wouldn't think of Federal Express as a government agency, Coca Cola as (currently) containing cocaine, and P&G's "Man in the Moon" logo being associated with satanic worship. At the same time, FORD is not an acronym - "Found On Roadside, Dead", "Fix Or Repair Daily", "Fails On Race Day"or "Found On Rubbish Dump".

They might want to put the emphasis on the model, much like the dramatically successful Mustang logo with the subtle red/white/blue shield set behind the front wheel, with or without the V8 designator - as used in the late '60's. That logo celebrated the spirit of the brand, while the shape said MUSTANG. The "Ford" name appeared only in the fine print.

Lexus has the bent L. Infiniti has the Lone Ranger mask, Mercedes the tri-star, Audi the Olympic rings minus one, Their model designations are nothing but a bunch of incomprehensible alphanumerics. These do nothing to build a brand image. A5, SC450, 550SEL, M350 . . . what images come to mind? I miss the Cougar, Barracuda, Charger, and the Impala - the image of powerful animals - even the exotic racing venue or place names - Monoco, Monte Carlo, Aspen, Daytona, LeMans - all put an image in your head and kept it there. I'm not even sure what an M350 was supposed to be - if there was one .. ..

 

lol seriously.....

 

hahaha


...its funny because its true

 

on the note of naming/nomenclature...
i hate all this crap with letter/number nomenclature...i mean id rather have an acura legend over an acura RL because the name stands out more...

 

Thats a bad idea. At least for Toyota/Lexus IMO. When you buy a Toyota you buy the model...the Toyota model such Tundra/Land Cruiser/Camry/Corolla....when you buy a Lexus you buy the Lexus experience....that is all Lexus cars look very similar in design and especially the interior.

 

They need to refresh their image. Why not a new symbol/ emblem to go along wit the new direction for the company

 

I think Ford should absolutely change their logo. First of all, the blue oval clashes with the design of modern cars. They should at least go black if they decide to keep the design.

Ford needs to look forward and not rely on history. They need to start planting the seeds and really make efforts to attract younger buyers. Toyota has known this for a long time now and they are in a very good position. I think VW is also understanding this and have really sparked interest from younger buyers with the GTI.

Ford just needs to fire their marketing team who came up with the stupid idea a few years ago who decided to name all of their cars "Starting with the letter F".

 

Some companies DO change it overnight. Mazda, for example, has changed it a number of times since the 1980's. Oldsmobile changed theirs several times from the 70's to when they folded in 2004.

 

They definitely need a new logo, not only is there current one ugly, unappealing and dated as hell relative to the competition, but it'll help with all the negative stigma surrounding the brand, almost like a fresh start. Yeah it'll cost money, but it'll be worth it in the long run.