The Alta Automobile logo embodies the company’s idea: from concept to realization, each car is created with the highest craftsmanship and attention to detail. It emphasizes persistence, a love for aesthetics, and uniqueness, making each model the result of hard work, inspiration, and a creative approach.
Alta Automobile: Brand overview
Founded in Athens in 1962, Alta Automobile has carved a niche in the Greek automotive industry by manufacturing light cars and motorcycles. It started with an initial facility in Athens, where three-wheeled trucks and motorcycles were assembled. The main engine was the reliable 50cc Sachs. One of the famous early models was the 50S motorcycle, of which an impressive number of examples have survived.
In the following years, during the 1960s, the Alta company expanded its activities and began producing three-wheeled passenger vehicles—microcars and cabs—powered by Alta’s proprietary two-stroke engines.
With the advent of the 1970s, Alta shifted its focus to automobile production, a turning point in the company’s development. The company produced many compact and fuel-efficient car models, including the Alta 600, Baby, and City.
At its zenith in 1975, Alta’s Athens plant was a bustling center with about 100 employees. However, the company’s journey was not without its difficulties. By 1978, Alta was on the verge of bankruptcy due to problems with quality control and product development.
Despite the company’s best efforts to create a niche in the economy car market, its endeavors failed compared to those of more established automakers. After operating for about 15 years, the company was forced to cease operations in 1978 due to financial difficulties. Thus, Alta Automobile’s legacy remains that of a Greek automobile company striving to compete in a competitive industry.
Meaning and History
What is Alta Automobile?
This Athens-based automaker is known for creating lightweight commercial trucks and compact passenger cars suited to Greece’s challenging terrain and narrow urban streets. A distinctive feature of the company was its strategy of producing vehicles with sturdy construction and practical, functional features that met the demands of the local market. The company’s factory in Thessaloniki became an important source of employment for skilled Greek workers, supporting the growth of the national automotive industry.
1962 – 1978
Alta’s logo, known for its motorcycles, cars, and three-wheeled trucks, conveyed a sense of classic style and careful design. It was circular, symbolizing unity and completeness. The outer rim was adorned with a wide wreath of golden laurel leaves. Traditionally associated with victories and success, the wreath emphasized the company’s pursuit of leadership and achievement.
A green disc stood out against the golden border at the logo’s center. The green color added freshness to the design and symbolized growth, giving the composition vitality. The brand name “ALTA” was displayed in white letters with a golden outline on this background. The design gave the lettering a three-dimensional and expressive appearance.
The font was strict and geometric, featuring sharp, straight lines and defined angles, which lent the letters a monumental quality. Elements of Greek architecture were evident in the design, referencing the company’s cultural roots. Each letter was meticulously crafted and symmetrically arranged, creating a sense of reliability and order.
Thin horizontal lines framed the text above and below, adding structure and a polished finish to the visual mark.
The Alta emblem combined classic motifs with modern design. The laurel wreath highlighted achievements, the green background symbolized progress, and the precise font conveyed seriousness and a professional approach.