The NAG logo is strong, noble, and steel. The emblem reflects hard work. As bees collect honey, the company works diligently to develop new, modern cars. The emblem emphasizes precise assembly, maximum protection, and durability.
In the early 20th century, Berlin, Germany, saw the establishment of NAG (Neue Automobil-Gesellschaft) in 1901. Emil Rathenau sought to diversify his electrical enterprise, AEG, by entering the automobile industry. By 1902, Rathenau’s decision to absorb coachbuilder Kühlstein into AEG paved the way for NAG’s transformation under engineer Joseph Vollmer, giving it a distinct identity in auto manufacturing.
In its early years, NAG introduced the two-cylinder Typ A and the four-cylinder Typ B, both launched in 1902. These early models echoed the design philosophy of contemporary Mercedes vehicles. A significant moment for the brand occurred in 1907 when they rolled out the enhanced Typ B2, powered by a robust 7.9-liter engine. Empress Auguste Viktoria became the proud recipient of one such model that year.
Despite its reputation for producing well-crafted and dependable vehicles, NAG wasn’t particularly known for groundbreaking designs. Their focus leaned heavily towards the luxury segment of the market. By 1915, the brand changed its name to “Nationale Automobil-Gesellschaft,” which translates to “National Automobile Company.”
While NAG’s genesis years were marked by prosperity, the post-WWI era was less forgiving. Financial constraints tightened their grip, culminating in BMW’s 1928 acquisition. The NAG emblem briefly coexisted with BMW’s in the luxury segment in the early 1930s. Still, by 1934, the NAG brand gracefully bowed out. Over its 33-year lifespan from 1901 to 1934, NAG made a commendable contribution to Germany’s automotive history, producing approximately 5,500 cars. Though they paved the way in the German automotive scene, later, their contemporaries overshadowed them. overshadowed them
Meaning and History
What is NAG?
The esteemed German carmaker NAG was founded in 1901 by Emil Rathenau in central Berlin. Initially operating as Neue Automobil-Gesellschaft, the company renamed itself Nationale Automobil-Gesellschaft in 1915. NAG’s automobiles were celebrated for their remarkable quality and earned substantial recognition across Germany. Although NAG ended operations in 1934, its legacy as a trailblazer in German car engineering continues to be recognized as a testament to its accomplishments.
1901 – 1934
The logo is designed in an antique style, resembling a coat of arms. At its core, a shield symbolizes courage, reliability, and nobility. Multiple borders and layers make the symbol stand out among competitors’ emblems. It illustrates the company’s gradual development and achievements.
At the heart of the emblem are three stacked honeycombs, unified into a pentagonal shape. This image highlights professionalism and skillful car assembly. Each element contains the abbreviation of the company’s name, Neue Automobil-Gesellschaft. The honeycombs might represent the company’s three main goals: quality, reliability, and modern technology.
As the brand’s “character,” the Greek word “protos” (first, initial) positions the company as a pioneer in the automotive industry. NAG is always at the forefront of technical progress.
The next layer is a crown made of towers from a fortress wall. The brand’s main focus is on creating the most reliable cars. The company aims to glorify the country and strengthen Germany. Success in this mission is evidenced by winning the Gothenburg Cup (winter car trials in Sweden) for three consecutive years. Even after the company closed, it used part of its production (the NAG-Büssing commercial) to build armored vehicles during World War II, further underscoring the brand’s outstanding reliability.
The white, red, and shiny iron borders convey novelty, premium quality, and the cars’ beauty. Overall, the symbol aligns fully with NAG and represents the manufacturer’s advantages.


