Hartge Logo PNG
The Hartge logo symbolizes reliability, precision, and professionalism with a touch of speed and dynamism. The emblem conveys that the company is always moving forward and can accelerate any car to incredible speeds.
Hartge: Brand overview
In 1971, nestled in Merzig, Germany, Herbert Hartge embarked on a journey to transform the automobile industry, birthing the Hartge brand, which honed its craft in enhancing and customizing BMW vehicles. A few years later, in 1974, the burgeoning company shifted its base to Beckingen, setting up its primary centers for tuning and production.
Throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s, Hartge garnered acclaim for its exceptional expertise in revamping BMW engines, ushering in an era where they were celebrated for fitting larger engines from upscale BMW models into more compact frames. By 1985, their pioneering work didn’t go unnoticed, as they were conferred the status of an official manufacturer by Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority, empowering them to roll out wholly custom-made vehicles stamped with their unique VINs.
Throughout its history, Hartge showcased an array of performance-oriented renditions of various BMW line-ups, encompassing models from the 3 Series, 5 Series, and 6 Series to the M5, often adding a signature “H” to christen them, like the 540iH. But Hartge’s ambitions didn’t stop there. Venturing beyond the realm of BMW, they soon spread their wings, tuning illustrious brands like Minis and Land Rovers.
However, despite its storied legacy and prestige in the tuning domain, the latter part of the 2010s proved challenging for Hartge. Waning sales and financial turbulence took their toll, culminating in June 2019 when the company declared bankruptcy. Hartge’s chapter in Germany’s commercial annals was concluded as its assets were auctioned off, marking the end of an era that spanned 48 illustrious years.
Meaning and History
What is Hartge?
For almost 50 years, Hartge has dominated the vehicle tuning scene, providing premium performance enhancements for brands such as BMW, MINI, Juno, and Range Rover. It was established by Herbert Hartge in 1971 in Beckingen, Germany, and has since gained an esteemed reputation for its commitment to unparalleled quality and distinction. Starting from modest beginnings, Hartge has expanded to become a significant force in the car industry, constantly challenging the limits of automotive engineering and introducing innovative tuning solutions and services. Boasting nearly half a century of creativity and expertise, Hartge has garnered the trust of car enthusiasts worldwide.
1971 – 2019
The Hartge company emblem, used from 1971 to 2019, features two diagonal stripes in shades of blue in the background. These stripes represent several key aspects of the brand’s work.
First, the stripes resemble a road, connecting the image to the company’s automotive focus. Hartge is known for its car tuning services, and this design element highlights its dedication to the automotive industry.
Second, the colors match those used in BMW’s 1970s logo. Hartge primarily tuned BMW vehicles, and using these shades emphasizes the close relationship with BMW.
Third, the variation in blue shades symbolizes transformation. Hartge takes standard cars and makes them faster, more powerful, and more aesthetically appealing. This change reflects that while the brand remains the same, its products improve and become more modern and advanced.
The company name, Hartge, is placed over the stripes in metallic letters. The name comes from the founder, Herbert Hartge. The metallic color in the font highlights the enhanced performance of cars after tuning. The metallic shine symbolizes strength, reliability, and the prestige associated with the brand.