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Alan Peckolick, Responsible For The General Motors Logo Design, Passes Away

The General Motors logo may not actually grace any production cars (not since the “Badge of Excellence” was removed years ago), but that doesn’t mean it’s not an iconic design. Now, it will be a lasting impression, as he man responsible for the distinct blue block and muscular typeface has passed away.

The New York Times reports Alan Peckolick died at the age of 76 today after brain damage sustained from a fall proved too much. Peckolick reportedly suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

Peckolick is credited with devising the most recent version of the GM logo, which features the prominent bar under the General Motors initials. He also designed the typefaces for Mercedes-Benz, Pfizer and Revlon. An artist at heart, Peckolick was rejected by several art schools before switching to graphic design. Later, he would open his own office and become a partner of Lubalin, Smith and Carnase.

Now, the GM Renaissance Center stands as a fitting tribute, which proudly displays the logo atop the building in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

Former GM Authority staff writer.

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Comments

  1. For the record, when I bought my new Silverado in 2014 I specifically required that the dealer put one of those logos on the lower trailing edge of my front fenders. I am proud to drive a Chevy. I am equally proud that it was built by GM. Anybody who has a problem with the mark of excellence badge should be ashamed. They don’t deserve to have the vehicle.

    Reply
    1. I bought a bunch of mark of excellence badges off eBay a few years ago. I was worried the part would be discontinued when GM went to 4 core brands. I’m glad I did!

      I occasionally find them floating throughout my friends body shop lol. I snagged one the other day actually. I am not driving any GM products currently but when I had my 11 Regal I had one on the trunk. I even stuck one on my parent’s fridge… I wonder if they noticed lol.

      May Alan RIP.

      Reply
      1. My grandmother had a GM Frigidaire oven when I was a kid. I thought the GM logo being on there was so cool!

        Reply
  2. Though I never liked the GM “chiclets” on the cars, I thought it was odd that they removed the GM Mark of Excellence(not Badge of Excellence BTW) from the dealership signage, leaving that awkward empty square in every GM dealer sign.

    Reply
    1. I think the bean counters figured they could save a few more cents taking it off.

      Reply
      1. Actually, they did it because people wanted to buy Chevys, but were ashamed of “GM”.

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        1. Yeah, they disappeared during the BK, trying to downplay the GM name, but they should bring them back, or redesign the dealer id signs so they don’t have that weird empty square hole anymore.

          Reply
    2. MrR,

      Yes, how does a GM-centric website like this get that wrong; it’s the ‘Mark of Excellence’, rather than the ‘Badge of Excellence’.

      That should be GM101.

      Reply
  3. As I kid growing up the east side suburbs of Detroit in the 60’s about 2 miles from the GM Tech Center where I now work it seemed like all we saw were GM and Chrysler products, not that many Fords as you seemed to see more of those as you got further towards Dearborn. But always remember like both the GM logo as well as the iconic Chrysler Pentastar, they really knew how to make logos and market back then.

    Reply

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