Car Emblems Retained Through Ownership Changes

Core emblem continuity at Bentley, BMW and Škoda across documented ownership changes.

Logos & hidden meaningsUpdated By Sources & methodology

Bentley hood ornament
Bentley hood ornament. Photo credit

Short answer

Bentley uses a B and wings that survived ownership by Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen. The design was revised under successive owners, but the combination continued to identify Bentley.

Data period
Documented historical emblem milestones
Entries
3
Comparison
Order described in methodology
Topic
Logos & hidden meanings

Car Emblems Retained Through Ownership Changes at a Glance

Car Emblems Retained Through Ownership Changes — Documented historical emblem milestones
Brand or identity Symbol or milestone Connection
Bentley logo, archived 1931 version
Bentley1931 and 1998 ownership changes
B and wings retained Graphic changes with core-symbol continuity
BMW logo, archived 2020 version
BMW1922 transfer into BFW
Name and roundel transferred Identity acquired with engine operations
Škoda logo, archived 2022 version
Škoda1991 Volkswagen Group entry
Winged arrow retained Existing silhouette under new ownership

Car Emblems Retained Through Ownership Changes: Entry Details

Bentley logo, archived 1931 version
Archived 1931 logo version.

Bentley

1931 and 1998 ownership changes · B and wings retained

Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen ownership brought emblem revisions. The same central letter and wing combination continued across both transitions.

Connection
Graphic changes with core-symbol continuity
Bentley logo & history →
BMW logo, archived 2020 version
Archived 2020 logo version.

BMW

1922 transfer into BFW · Name and roundel transferred

The BMW name and logo moved with the engine business. Continuity followed the purchased identity rather than an unchanged corporate structure.

Connection
Identity acquired with engine operations
BMW logo & history →
Škoda logo, archived 2022 version
Archived 2022 logo version.

Škoda

1991 Volkswagen Group entry · Winged arrow retained

The existing arrow remained a recognisable centrepiece after the partnership began. Later refinements changed its presentation.

Connection
Existing silhouette under new ownership
Škoda logo & history →

Car Emblems Retained Through Ownership Changes: Analysis

Bentley Winged B Through Ownership Changes

Bentley’s owners could change the drawing without surrendering the name’s visual shorthand. The 1931 emblem made the wings symmetrical, while the later Volkswagen-era revision restored asymmetry. The central B remained the anchor, as the Bentley emblem history shows.

BMW Name and Logo Transfer

BMW’s story involves the transfer of an identity between businesses. After the company was sold to Knorr-Bremse, Camillo Castiglioni acquired the BMW name and logo with its engine operation and brought them into BFW in 1922. The roundel travelled with the name.

Skoda Winged Arrow Under Volkswagen

Škoda joined the Volkswagen Group in 1991 and retained the winged arrow. Changes in colour and surrounding lettering refreshed the badge while preserving its silhouette. The Škoda logo history traces that distinction between a new owner and a new symbol.

FAQ: Car Emblems Retained Through Ownership Changes

Did Volkswagen replace Bentley’s winged badge?

The B and wings remained. A later redesign revisited details of the original emblem while retaining the combination.

Who bought Bentley in 1931?

Rolls-Royce acquired Bentley in 1931. The emblem was revised, including a symmetrical treatment of its wings.

When did Volkswagen acquire Bentley?

Volkswagen Group acquired Bentley in 1998. The Bentley name and winged-letter identity continued.

Why did the BMW logo move to another company?

Castiglioni purchased the BMW name, logo and engine operation after the earlier sale to Knorr-Bremse. They were integrated into BFW in 1922.

When did Škoda join Volkswagen Group?

Škoda joined the group in 1991. The winged arrow remained part of its identity after the corporate change.

Sources & methodology

Manufacturer histories connect ownership milestones with emblem continuity.

Maintained by , a software engineer and BMW 4 Series owner. Editorial policy

View sources (5)