Vauxhall Drops the Flag as It Unveils Its 13th Griffin Logo

Vauxhall has stripped its griffin emblem down to its sharpest, cleanest form yet — and, for the first time in 121 years, removed the flag carrying the letter V.

The British carmaker calls the redesign the 13th iteration of a logo that has featured a griffin since 1915. The update simplifies the flat mark introduced in 2020, making the mythical creature more angular: its neck hair has been pared back and its beak is now closed.

"The griffin emblem is instantly recognisable, with Vauxhalls seen on almost every street in Britain," said Vauxhall design vice-president Mark Adams. "Having adorned our vehicles in different forms for more than 120 years, we wanted to retain its essential elements while streamlining it for the next generation of electrified vehicles."

According to Vauxhall, the simplified emblem was designed to be illuminated on its future electric vehicles — a functional demand that shaped the aesthetic. "As the griffin is now illuminated on the front of our latest models, this simpler design also makes it clearer and easier to identify," said Adams. "The new look is sharper, cleaner and fits perfectly with the next evolution of our bold and pure design language."

The revamped logo will debut next month at the Paris Motor Show on the Vauxhall STX Concept, before appearing on all future production models. The rebrand rolls out from next year.

The original griffin badge has its own origin story. It was designed in 1915 by Harry Varley, an apprentice at the company, who won a competition to create a badge for the emerging car brand. Varley chose the griffin as a nod to the coat of arms of Sir Falkes de Bréauté, who acquired the London land now known as Vauxhall in the 13th century. The company, which began as the Vauxhall Ironworks, was first established there.

Vauxhall is the latest in a line of carmakers reworking their identities for the electric age. Bentley last year revealed what it called the "biggest change" to its logo in its 100-year history. As illuminated badges become standard equipment on electric vehicles, Vauxhall's decision to close the griffin's beak and shed its flag suggests how much a glowing nose can now dictate a brand's oldest symbol.