Drivers around the world will be all too familiar with the Volkswagen logo.
After all, the famous car brand has been in our lives since as far back as 1937. However, even though the company has been around for decades, it turns out that many people still don't realise what the logo means.
While we may instantly recognise the VW symbol when we see it, there's significant meaning behind the logo that many people don't realise. The topic recently came up on Reddit, and social media users have been sharing their ideas about the changing emblem.
One person wrote: "The Volkswagen logo is one ME I just learned of. I couldn't help but think I was going crazy as well. Until I saw the pictures.
"The logo, a V on top of a W, when drawn out, has a line between the letter stack. The reason so many are not remembering this is because the VW logo is almost always chrome. They can't cut the chrome from between the stack, and just leave it chromed. It gives the appearance of being a solid piece. Can't post pics, on mobile, but maybe someone can post a drawn logo, and the emblem right off the hood of a car?"
One was left confused, writing: "I'm struggling to make sense of that post. If they aren't able to cut between the chrome then the car logos still wouldn't have a bar between the V and W?"
Someone else added: "My first car was a newish VW, I'd trace the emblem on the steering wheel with my finger on break at work - no bump or line between the V and W, all smooth chrome.
"I thought it was just a big, weird W because it was connected, I was at least 19 when I went 'Oh duh, V-W! I get it!'"
A third also chimed in with: "When I was bored sometimes I've drawn the VW Logo on a paper.. I've always drawn an X and added the / ... like X/ .... I loved the logo because of this simple style I dont know why, it just attracted me. Suddenly it changed and this is the ME that convinced me."
By interlocking the "V" and "W" within a circle, this obviously works to represent the company's initials. Volkswagen actually translates to "people's car" in German, which is a nod to the brand's initial aim of creating accessible vehicles for the masses.
People may have noticed the logo has undergone some changes over the years, but the core design and meaning has pretty much stood the test of time.
An explanation by Logo Design says: "The original Volkswagen symbol was a much more complex version of the icon we know today. The letters 'V' and 'W' still appeared within the logo, with the same positioning of one above the other in a circular frame. It was monochromatic, constructed in simple black and white.
"However, there were many components surrounding the circle that represented a cogwheel and a version of the swastika. This logo was created for the original purpose of the cars, which were commissioned by Hilter.
"Three years after the initial logo was unveiled, Volkswagen decided to revamp their logo in 1939. The Nazi symbolism was removed, and the images were simplified.
"The cogwheel remained, along with the two stacked letters within the circle. This Volkswagen logo evoked a masculine, bold vibe and continued the monochrome look."
The logo also saw some change between 1945 and 1960. During this time, the cogwheel disappeared and the brand also started to add some colour to the symbol too.
However, developers eventually converted back to the monochrome design. As well as this, they thickened the border by linking the lowest points of the "W" to the inner white circle. The "V" was also moved closer to the "W".
It's changed at various other points over the years, with the list of alterations being quite long. However, basic elements have stayed consistent, and the "VW" has remained a vital part of the symbol throughout its history.
