AFA: Brand overview
AFA was a Spanish automobile company that existed briefly during World War II; it stands for Aymerich Fábrica de Automoviles or Aymerich Automobile Factory. The company was founded by Joan Aymerich Casanovés in Barcelona, Spain, and operated from 1943 to 1944.
AFA produced only one or two examples of one model in its short life, called the AFA 5cv convertible. This modestly sized two-door, four-cylinder convertible was designed with the everyday consumer in mind. However, the car was never produced in serial production.
Due to the company’s short existence, detailed information about its activities and the 5cv model is scarce. Difficult wartime conditions and limited production capabilities likely caused AFA to cease operations soon after it began, perhaps reaching only the prototype stage.
Although AFA was not a commercial success, its story is one of a bold attempt to create an affordable convertible in the economically struggling Spanish automotive sector.
Meaning and History
What is AFA?
This Spanish automaker played a key role in the early history of Spain’s automotive industry. Based in Barcelona, the company specializes in creating vehicles tailored to the needs of the Spanish market, focusing on practicality and durability aligned with regional technical preferences. Under the leadership of the Aimerich family, the company produced cars with robust mechanical solutions and unique elements of Spanish design, contributing to the economic development of Catalonia and reflecting Spain’s first steps in establishing domestic automobile production.
1943 – 1944
The logo of AFA, a Spanish automotive brand, was designed in a concise and expressive style that combined professionalism with elegant austerity. The core of the design was a circle reminiscent of a steering wheel, creating a direct association with the automotive theme. Instead of standard shapes, an original composition highlighted the brand’s uniqueness.
A horizontal stripe ran across the circle’s center, visually dividing it into two sections. The abbreviation “AFA,” the key element of the design, was placed on this stripe. The letters were rendered in a strict typeface with clean lines, distinguished by one-sided serifs pointing to the left. These details gave the text a sense of motion and progress, evoking the speed and dynamism associated with automobiles.
The main background was deep black, symbolizing reliability and a serious approach. A contrasting white stripe along the circle’s edge added a sense of completeness and made the design stand out. This stripe was outlined with a thin black border, which provided depth and precision.
On either side of the central stripe within the circle were decorative elements resembling parts of an engine or mechanical components. These features reinforced the logo’s connection to the automotive industry, adding a technical and industrial charm. At the top and bottom of the circle were inscriptions indicating the brand’s Spanish origin, emphasizing national pride.
Every aspect of the design—from the clean lines and carefully crafted details to the minimalist color palette—conveyed the image of a confident, technologically advanced brand. The emblem appeared cohesive and harmonious, underscoring the company’s commitment to quality and reliability.