Introduction
Since it was first discovered in Wuhan, China, the Corona Virus, also known as COVID-19 (or perhaps if you are Nigerian, "Covik One Nine") has brought the world to her knees in an almost unprecedented fashion. In less than four months, the virus has travelled and spread around the world, transcending countries and continents, and spreading faster than wildfire in harmattan.
But in all the gloominess, there is still a reason to smile and it is, times like this bring out the humanity in us all. Taking a quick journey down memory lane, you probably will remember the Haiti earthquake of 12th January 2010. The earthquake claimed about 300,000 lives and resulted in damages estimated to be about 8.5 billion dollars! But that was not all there was to the Haiti incidence. In less than 24 hours, about 58 million dollars was raised via the most watched "telethon" in human history called "Hope for Haiti Now". Interestingly, there was also a remake of Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie's "We are the World" with proceeds from the record going to support the humanitarian efforts in Haiti.
Automakers change their logos to encourage social distancing
Fast forward to Covid times, the Virus has again brought out the best in us. This time, through automakers. Taking the world by surprise, automakers have begun a social media campaign to promote awareness on coronavirus, particularly social distancing in order to order to bring an end to the scourge of COVID-19. The automakers are beginning to update their logos and insignias to preach social distancing and this campaign has been nothing short of brilliant.
We have identified the automobile companies that have taken up this challenge with their social distancing inspired logos. Check out them all down below:
1. Hyundai
The first on our list is Hyundai, a South Korean automotive manufacturer with headquarters in Seoul and established in 1967. Hyundai has established its presence in Nigeria with popular models such as Elantra, Tucson, Santa FE, Grand Xcent, Accent, among others. You also might not know that the automotive company Kia is a subsidiary of Hyundai. I see you going, noo woonnnddeerrrr. Some Hyundai and Kia models bear some uncanny resemblance.
Hyundai's logo has two straight figures joined together in the middle thus resembling the letter H. The H-shaped character which according to the company's twitter handle represents two people shaking hands is situated in an oval to make up the logo.
Here is the original Hyundai logo
In joining the new trend, the company brilliantly disconnects the two straight figures and now resembles two figures refraining from shaking hands and possibly hitting elbows instead. The company took to Twitter very recently to unveil the new logo on the company's twitter handle and is the latest on this train. It's simply brilliant!
Coronally updated Hyundai logo
2. Volkswagen
Next on the list is Volkswagen, a German automaker established in 1937. What comes to mind when you hear Volkswagen? It likely has to be the picture of your grandpa's Beetle. Well since the automotive company released the iconic Beetle, Volkswagen has grown to be one of, if not the largest automaker in the world. The company currently has its headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.
The Volkswagen logo is pretty simple and straightforward. Volkswagen is shortened to "VW". The "v" is placed on top of the "W" and a circle is drawn around the characters.
The Volkswagen logo we have always known
To also join the social distancing campaign, Volkswagen has made a few tweaks to its logo and it's also quite easy to understand. The "v" simply keeps a social distance from the "W" with the world of space now existing between the "v" and "W".
It's not hard to see what the new logo is saying: stay away from gatherings; keep your space! This is clearly a very ingenious edit.
The Volkswagen logo we have now
3. Audi AG
Audi comes next on our list and understandably so. Audi belongs to the Volkswagen group but produces more of luxury vehicles. The German brand is headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany. Although not as popular in Nigeria as the other brands in this article, you are likely to come across an Audi vehicle on Nigerian roads from time to time.
Just like Volkswagen, Audi's logo is also very simple and interestingly bears a little resemblance with the logo of the Olympics. The Audi logo is four interconnected rings.
To spread the message of social distancing, Audi cleverly disconnects the four rings and makes each ring independent of the others with reasonable space between them. With the rings separated from each other and the space between them, Audi's imploring you to keep away from other people. At least, until after the coronavirus.
Even Audi urges you to practise social distancing!
>>> You might also like to read:
- 12 popular car logos and how they once looked like in the past
- Underlying messages behind 10 famous auto brand logos (Part 1)
4. Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes is also not left out on this train. A division of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz is also a German automaker with headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany. The company majors in luxury vehicles and has in the last few years become the poster vehicle for luxury automobiles. Today, everybody wants a Benz! The car's build, exquisite interior, stellar performance all scream luxury! The brand is truly the billionaire's brand.
The company also recently tweaked its logo to reflect social distancing. The company's official logo is a star-like character with just three parts with a circle drawn around the character.
Benz logo before Coronavirus
The company has made a simple edit which is to simply make the star-like character stand alone without having its edges touch the circle around it. The message is clear! To put it simply, the "star" is made to withdraw from the circle the same way Mercedes-Benz is asking you to withdraw from your circle of friends, associates, colleagues, among others till we finally make a breakthrough in these difficult times.
Benz logo; corona update!
>>> Read also: 25 mind-blowing facts about Mercedes-Benz you may not know
In conclusion, while it is true that the coronavirus pandemic has significantly dealt the world a great blow, we all can win the war against the virus by taking all necessary safety and precautionary measures. Remember to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds from time to time or use an alcohol-based sanitizer; clean surfaces often; stay at home and if you have to step out of your house, don't forget the gospel of social distancing!
Check out other brands promoting social distancing via their logos
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