Shanghai Maple Logo

Shanghai Maple Brand History

Shanghai Maple Automobiles was established in 2000 in Shanghai, China by Li Shutong as a subsidiary of Geely Group. The original purpose was to manufacture reliable and affordable compact and economy vehicles for the domestic Chinese market. Early vehicles were marketed under the Huapu brand.

The company operated as Shanghai Maple from 2000 to 2010, focusing on progressive model updates and engine improvements. This period marked China’s early 21st-century push for independent automotive manufacturing.

Shanghai Maple Logo Evolution

2000 – 2010: Shanghai Maple Era

During its first decade Shanghai Maple used a logo that reflected its identity as a domestic budget marque. The brand concentrated on producing affordable vehicles while gradually improving quality and technology.

• Design: Original visual identity tied to the Shanghai Maple name
• Colors: Not specified in historical records
• Changes: Maintained consistent branding throughout the initial growth phase
• Context: Used while the company built its presence in the Chinese market as a Geely subsidiary

2010 – Present: Englon Era

In 2010 Shanghai Maple was replaced by the Englon brand along with a complete logo and identity change. The new emblem features six silver five-pointed stars on a blue background within a circular design.

• Design: Circular emblem incorporating star elements
• Colors: Silver stars on blue background
• Changes: Complete brand replacement and new visual identity
• Context: Strategic repositioning to emulate classic British automotive style while remaining under Geely ownership

Brand Transition and Legacy

The 2010 transition from Shanghai Maple to Englon represented a major rebranding that occurred simultaneously with the introduction of the star-based logo. This shift moved the marque from a purely Chinese-market economy focus toward a more premium perception inspired by British styling traditions.

Englon continues to represent the evolution of the original Shanghai Maple business. The same emblem was later adopted by The London Taxi Company following Geely’s 2013 acquisition of that business. The Shanghai Maple brand history illustrates the development of China’s independent automotive sector through strategic repositioning and brand evolution.