The new K7 features the letter ‘Z’ in its LED positioning lamp rear brake lights. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan.11 (Korea Bizwire) – Letters being used in the design of cars seem to be the latest automotive trend.
According to the analysts, Kia Motors’ new K7 and Hyundai Motor’s Ioniq feature alphabet letters in their design, drawing the attention of consumers.
The new K7 features the letter ‘Z’ in its LED positioning lamp rear brake lights. Kia officials explained that they wanted to apply the charisma the letter ‘Z’ has to their vehicle design.
Hyundai’s Ioniq is the first eco-friendly car to use the letter ‘C’ in its LED positioning light. (Image : Yonhap)
Hyundai’s Ioniq is the first eco-friendly car to use the letter ‘C’ in its LED positioning light. Instead of a round shaped ‘C’, designers chose a sharply angled ‘C’ for a swifter and stronger look. The design was recognized at the ‘2015 Good Design Awards’.
The ‘M’ shaped radiator grill of BMW vehicles is a famous example of a letter being adopted to car design.
The ‘M’ shaped radiator grill of BMW vehicles is a famous example of a letter being adopted to car design. (Image : Yonhap)
The alphabet ‘M’ reminds customers that the design of the cars showcases the brand, as ‘M’ is also the name of BMW’s high end performance series of vehicles.
A similar example is the Bentley Continental GT, which has a ‘B’ shaped air intake on the side of the front wheel, which also stands for the brand, ‘Bentley’.
However, the most general use of letters in automobile design is in the taillights.
Ssangyong’s Tivoli has features ‘J’-inspired LED taillights, and the Lexus ES makes use of the ‘L’ from its brand name. Lamborghini’s Asterion features rear lights inspired by the letter ‘Y’.
Another noticeable adoption of letters in motor vehicle design is the usage of the Korean alphabet, Hangeul.
The electric car ‘Nemo’ (meaning square) staged by Kia Motors at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show is designed in the shape of a box car, which suits the name ‘Nemo’. (Image : Yonhap)
The electric car ‘Nemo’ (meaning square) staged by Kia Motors at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show is designed in the shape of a box car, which suits the name ‘Nemo’. The head lamps, steering wheel and head rests are all designed in the form of ‘ㅁ’, which is a letter in the Korean alphabet.
Industry watchers explain that it is currently trendy to apply shapes of letters which are familiar to consumers’ eyes. Also, the reception of a car is enlarged when the meaning of the letter matches the brand.
By M.H.Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
