Mobil Logo PNG
Mobil’s logo stands out among Standard Oil’s successors for its dynamic and creative approach. Over the years, the company’s frequent mergers have led to multiple logo transformations, each time reinventing itself with a fresh perspective. The current design showcases a clean and professional blue-and-red text emblem paired with the Exxon logo, reflecting the collaboration and shared ambitions of the two energy giants.
Mobil: Brand overview
Hyatt Smith founded the Vacuum Oil Company in Rochester, New York, in 1866, marking the start of Mobil’s history. The company initially focused on producing lubricants and kerosene for lamps. Its early success stemmed from developing a new method of vacuum distilling petroleum, which allowed the production of high-quality lubricants.
In 1879, Standard Oil, under John D. Rockefeller’s leadership, acquired a majority stake in Vacuum Oil. This partnership significantly expanded Vacuum Oil’s market presence by leveraging Standard Oil’s extensive distribution network. Vacuum Oil began its international expansion during this period by establishing European offices.
After the U.S. Supreme Court dissolved the Standard Oil Trust in 1911, Vacuum Oil became part of the Standard Oil Company of New York (Socony). In the following years, the business expanded its network of gas stations and broadened its range of petroleum products.
1931, Socony merged with Vacuum Oil to form the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company. This merger enhanced its retail distribution network and strengthened its position in the lubricants market. The flying red horse emblem, adopted during the 1930s, became one of the most recognizable symbols in the oil industry.
Rebranding efforts began in the 1950s. 1955, the corporation adopted the Socony Mobil Oil Company, which was later simplified to Mobil Oil Corporation in 1966. These changes reflected the company’s growing international focus and the aim to establish a unified global brand.
The company expanded significantly during the 1960s and 1970s, increasing oil production and exploration activities, particularly in the Middle East and the North Sea. It also expanded its retail network and petrochemical operations during this time.
In response to the oil crisis of the 1970s, the organization diversified its oil supply sources, invested in new production technologies, and expanded its natural gas operations.
In the 1980s, new lubricants and fuels were introduced, and the retail network was enhanced by adding convenience stores at gas stations, setting a new standard in the industry.
During the early 1990s, the company focused on technological advancements and operational improvements. Significant investments in research and development led to innovative products for the automotive sector.
In 1998, Exxon and Mobil announced their merger, which was completed in 1999, creating ExxonMobil. Before the merger, the company was one of the largest lubricant producers globally and the second-largest oil business in the United States.
As a standalone entity, the organization built a strong global reputation for its innovations in petroleum products and retail operations. Its contributions to the oil industry remain noteworthy, particularly its development of lubricants and establishment of service stations offering additional services.
Meaning and History
According to the agreement, Exxon bought Mobil but retained its identity, becoming, in effect, the parent corporation. With a rich history, ExxonMobil is now the largest oil and gas industry player. The brand has ten logos.
What is Mobil?
This is a well-known American brand in the oil and gas industry, tracing its origins to a company founded by Rockefeller. Today, it produces industrial oils and operates a network of gas stations. The brand’s original name, Socony, is an abbreviation of Standard Oil Company of New York.
1892 – 1904
The first logo of Standard Oil of New York, part of Rockefeller’s trust, incorporated numerous symbols emphasizing the quality of its products and the level of its service. At its center was the image of Aladdin’s lamp, referencing the idea of instantly granting wishes, much like the genie from the tale. This design connected the concept of top-quality oil with rapid delivery, which was made possible by Rockefeller’s railroad network.
The circular emblem symbolized a train wheel, highlighting its connection to railroad logistics and oil barrels. The design alluded to the company’s technological advancements in transportation. The word “security” was prominently displayed in the center, signifying the guaranteed safety of goods during transit.
An oil inspired the shape of Aladdin’s lamp can—a tool widely used for lubricating machinery. This visually associated the company with the technical oils it produced during its early market presence. Above the lamp, the word “Aladdin” was written in a cursive, hand-drawn style, adding an element of refinement to the design.
The lower part of the logo featured the company name, “Standard Oil Company,” written in bold, sans-serif black font. The circle’s white background allowed all composition elements to stand out in contrast and appear visually appealing.
1904 – 1908
The 1904 emblem of the Standard Oil Company of New York (SOCONY) stood out with its recognizable shape and symbolism, reflecting the company’s activities. It was designed in a circular format, evoking the image of a car wheel—a direct reference to automobiles and their maintenance, specifically motor oil supply.
At the center of the emblem was a stylized shield divided into three sections. At the top, the company’s name, “SOCONY,” an abbreviation of Standard Oil Company of New York, was prominently displayed in bold font. This word emphasized the company’s regional identity, marking it as a market leader. The middle and lower sections of the shield contained the words “Motor” and “Oil,” highlighting the brand’s specialization in producing motor oils.
The color palette featured a deep red for the primary text and outer border and a rich blue for the background surrounding the central element.
Around the shield, large white letters “S,” “O,” “N,” and “Y” were arranged, representing key components of the company’s name. These bold letters stood out against the blue background. A thin red line separated the shield from the outer circle, creating a distinct boundary between the central and outer parts of the logo.
Additional smaller inscriptions were placed at the bottom of the circle, serving an informative purpose by emphasizing the products’ patented and original nature. This detail inspired customer trust and reinforced the company’s image as a reliable supplier of high-quality motor oil.
1904 – 1932
The logo featuring a gargoyle became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Standard Oil Company of New York (SOCONY) and later transitioned into Mobil’s identity. This mythical creature, depicted horizontally, became the emblem for the brand’s Gargoyle motor oils. The red body and black lines outlining the contours enhanced the visual impact, conveying a sense of energy and strength.
The gargoyle draws inspiration from architectural elements of medieval buildings, where such figures served as water spouts. This image was associated with reliability and protection on the emblem—symbolic qualities the company aimed to attribute to its motor oil. The red color of the body emphasized fiery energy and combustible properties, while the black lines added dynamism and sharpness to the design.
The gargoyle’s downward-pointing head symbolized readiness for action, while its horizontally aligned body suggested swift movement, evoking associations with automobiles and transportation.
When this logo was introduced, SOCONY expanded its range of motor oils, and the Gargoyle brand became a market leader. The emblem with the mythical creature highlighted the product’s uniqueness, setting it apart from competitors. This logo remained relevant for a long time until SOCONY merged with Vacuum Oil Company.
1931 – 1932
This logo combines the legacies of two companies: Vacuum Oil and Socony. The red gargoyle at the center is the key symbol inherited from the Gargoyle brand. This image had been in use since 1904 when the gargoyle symbolized the durability and reliability of motor oil.
The emblem features two inscriptions. At the top, the word “Gargoyle,” set in uppercase letters with a grotesque typeface, is arranged in a semicircle. A red stripe running through the letters adds dynamism and visually connects the text to the gargoyle. At the bottom, the Mobiloil brand is written in large black lettering with smooth forms, visually balanced with the rest of the composition.
Gargoyle-branded oils were used for industrial equipment, while Mobiloil products targeted automobiles. The logo unified the two lines and demonstrated the versatility and breadth of the product range.
1932 – 1966
After Standard Oil’s breakup, Vacuum Oil, previously part of the giant company, registered a white Pegasus as its trademark. This symbol represents high-quality gasoline marketed in Africa. According to mythology, Pegasus was born from the ocean and possessed incredible speed. Legends connected him with water sources that appeared wherever his hoof struck. Thus, the image of Pegasus symbolized the company’s connection to the earth’s resources, the quality of gasoline, and the speed it provided to automobiles.
Designers from Jim Nash Associates chose the image of Pegasus to give the visual emblem harmony and remove the aggression associated with the previous gargoyle symbol. Like its predecessor, Pegasus had wings, emphasizing speed and movement. However, it evoked only positive emotions. The horse’s pose was designed to convey the sensation of flight: its legs were extended, its head pointed leftward, and its wings were outstretched. The white color of Pegasus symbolizes purity, reliability, and the technological quality of the product.
1932 – 1959
The red Pegasus symbolized the new union after the Socony and Vacuum Oil merger. It was used for gasoline in the eastern United States, firmly establishing it as the brand’s primary symbol. The winged horse was depicted flying upward, symbolizing strength, growth, and the company’s ambitions and hinting at its commitment to developing jet fuel. Pegasus represented freedom, bringing petroleum products to people—enabling travel, driving, and flying.
The new visual symbol was more refined. Unlike the previous depiction, artists made Pegasus more graceful, detailing its muscles, wings, and posture. It became more lifelike and sophisticated. The mythological creature’s figure adopted a vibrant red color, while white outlines emphasized it against the rest of the logo, creating a striking contrast.
The name of the technical oil brand, Mobiloil, was placed at the bottom. The font was redesigned with simple and clear lettering without serifs, and the letters were elongated vertically. The minimalist text balanced the lightness and dynamism of the winged horse, adding stability and solidity to the overall composition.
1932 – 1947
The Mobilgas logo combined several symbols that became iconic for the brand. Its base featured a pentagonal shield with a blue outline, resembling either the shape of a gas pump or a steam cylinder from early automobiles.
The center of the shield features a red-winged Pegasus. This mythical creature, familiar from previous emblems, symbolizes speed, strength, and the freedom of movement provided by Mobilgas products. Pegasus is depicted in flight, with its front legs raised high as if ready to overcome any obstacle. Its wings are detailed, with every feather meticulously drawn.
Beneath the image of Pegasus was the brand name Mobilgas. The font was clear and simple, sans serif, in blue. This contrast with the red Pegasus made the text easily readable and visually distinct. At the bottom of the shield was the inscription “Socony—Vacuum,” written in the same red color as the Pegasus.
1947 – 1957
The 1947 Mobilgas logo retained all the key elements of its predecessor but became visually more striking thanks to several enhancements. These included the thickness of the frame, font adjustments, and bolder lines, which made the logo clearer and more emphasized.
The red Pegasus, a symbol of speed, dynamism, and lightness, remained unchanged. The shield shape was preserved, but the blue frame became thicker, visually reinforcing the emblem’s structure.
Due to slight adjustments in line thickness, the “Mobilgas” text, rendered in bold blue font, appeared more modern. At the bottom of the shield, the “Socony”—Vacuum inscription, in red, remained unchanged.
1939 – 1957
In 1939, the Mobilgas logo was redesigned to make it easier to place on gas station signs and to give it a more modern appearance. The main changes involved transitioning from a shield shape to a simple circle, creating a more balanced and cohesive look.
The red Pegasus, symbolizing speed, power, and movement, remained the central element. It was still depicted in a dynamic pose with detailed wings and body. However, Pegasus’s figure is now surrounded by a blue outline, making it stand out more prominently.
The font became more refined. The word “Mobilgas” was reduced in size but retained its impact through a bold blue color. Placing the text directly below Pegasus achieved harmony between text and image, ensuring a balanced composition.
The inscription “Socony – Vacuum,” which previously appeared below the brand name, was removed from the logo.
1957 – 1966
In 1955, the company updated its name to Socony Mobil Oil, necessitating changes to its visual identity. Peter Schladermundt, Inc. designed the new logo, maintaining the traditional red and blue colors but giving them a modern interpretation.
The emblem featured a combination of symbols representing the company’s two main divisions. The upper blue frame, thickened in the central part, referenced Socony. The lower section was replaced with an elongated red “V,” symbolizing Vacuum Oil. The sharp curve of the “V” added dynamism and visual stability.
Inside, a smaller Pegasus—the brand’s enduring symbol—was placed above two triangles resembling wings, reinforcing associations with flight and progress.
The company name “Mobil” was written in a bold blue font with rounded and flat letters. This version marked an important step in Mobil’s visual identity, connecting the company’s past with its modern aspirations.
1966 – today
In 1963, the company name was shortened to Socony Mobil, and in 1966, it was further simplified to just Mobil. The brand adopted a simpler and more modern identity by removing the word “oil” from the name. A new logo was created to mark this change, and it remains in use today. The American graphic design firm Chermayeff & Geismar designed the logo.
The resulting logo was minimalist and precise, reflecting the streamlined name. It is a wordmark consisting solely of the word “Mobil.” The letter “O” is rendered in red, retaining the connection to the oil industry. The rest of the name is rendered in blue, symbolizing reliability and stability.
The font features geometrically even forms. However, the red “O” adds a sense of dynamism and makes the visual identity more memorable. This design element also symbolizes speed and convenience, aligning with Mobil’s innovation in introducing payment terminals at gas stations and developing a dedicated app for customers.
The name “Mobil” is phonetically linked to “mobile,” emphasizing the company’s mission to provide freedom of movement. The emblem no longer includes borders, shields, or other graphic elements. Its simplicity underscores that the core value lies in the essence of the product itself, without additional embellishments.
Font and Colors
The parent corporation owns the Mobil brand and has not abandoned the red Pegasus. It is still present, as before, on the company’s cars, equipment, and buildings. However, the official version uses only a verbal symbol, which looks simple but elegant.
The Mobil logo’s lettering is in avant-garde Gothic Bold. The letters are simple, geometric, and sans serif. The font was created by Herb Lubalin and Tom Carnase and published by International Typeface Corporation. The company’s corporate palette combines red and blue. The logo appeared in 1904 and hasn’t been changed since.
