TYPE MATTERS

VAG was created in 1979 to celebrate the amalgamation of German auto giants Volkswagen and Audi, forming Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (hence VAG). It was originally commissioned as the corporate typeface for Volkswagen, and remained in use by the brand until the early 90s.
“When you look at the Volkswagen Beetle it has these curves that are timeless and legendary,” says Steve Matteson, who led the creation of VAG. “I think that’s what stands out in this design – that friendly aesthetic, and the simple line and circle. It’s geometric, so it has that sense of friendliness like a school bus, and that quirky familiarity,” he adds. “It also has an industrial look to it, because of how it’s constructed.”
Designer: Steve Matteson, Gerry Barney and team at Sedley Place with some supporting work by Swiss agency GGK
Year: 1979