Olinia: Branding a National Symbol

The President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, unveils Olinia's emblem, the first Mexican electric vehicle manufacturer.

Team

Tania, Lulo, Fabian, Sarah

Industry

Automotive

Year

2025

Services

Storytelling, Brand Identity & Visual System

In design, few opportunities are as challenging and meaningful as crafting an identity from scratch, especially when the assignment is to give a face and soul to an initiative destined to become a symbol of national transformation. This was the starting point for Olinia, the first electric mini-vehicle manufacturer conceived, designed, and developed in Mexico.

For Shortcut, the challenge transcended the design of a simple logo. We were entrusted with forging a visual and narrative language that could articulate this ambition: a brand that felt simultaneously deeply Mexican and universally relevant, technologically advanced and humanly relatable.

A brand that would not only sell vehicles but also inspire pride, trust, and a sense of belonging.

This time, no shortcuts.

A Story of Modern Mexican Identity

We understood that Olinia's mission went beyond manufacturing a vehicle. As mentioned in the national presentation script: "our mission held a fundamental promise: to offer zero-emission mobility within reach of millions of Mexicans." This promise became the inspiration for the work

From there, we built the brand platform, defining its key values, and crafting the brand narrative.

From Nahuatl Word to Isotype: Sound and Form

The name, Olinia, derives from "Olin," the Nahuatl word for "movement." It is a constant reminder of the brand's reason for being.

For the logotype, we designed a custom wordmark that embodies the brand's principles.

Its construction is born from a deliberate balance between engineering precision (the square and symmetry) and human warmth (the curves of the circle).

The geometry is inspired by Mexico's iconic logotypes, simple forms rich with symbolism.