Global car brands often rely on symbols of power and speed, such as horses, wings, or eagles. But British supercar maker Lanzante has taken a unique cultural route by adopting Ganesh Ji—the revered Indian deity—as its logo. The decision reflects the growing global influence of Indian spirituality, but it also prompts an important question: how will such branding be received in regions like the UAE and other Muslim-majority countries?
Why Lanzante Chose Ganesh Ji
The choice traces back to George Harrison of The Beatles, who was deeply influenced by Indian spirituality. Harrison often referred to Lord Ganesha as the remover of obstacles and the giver of wisdom. Inspired by this philosophy, Lanzante wanted its supercar to symbolize not only superior performance but also intelligence and the ability to overcome challenges.
For the brand, Ganesh Ji is more than a religious figure—it is an emblem of technological excellence and smooth driving experiences, aligning with the company’s engineering ethos.
Growing Global Influence of Indian Culture
Lanzante’s decision is part of a broader trend of Indian soft power shaping global brands. Yoga, Ayurveda, Bollywood, and spiritual symbolism have entered mainstream markets worldwide. By incorporating Ganesh Ji, Lanzante acknowledges this cultural shift and signals that traditional Indian values can carry aspirational meaning for global luxury consumers.
Lanzante in the UAE and Gulf Countries
The UAE is a global hub for supercars and luxury brands, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi among the world’s top markets. Here, Lanzante’s Ganesh Ji logo will likely be interpreted through several lenses:
A Multicultural Market in Dubai
With large Indian and South Asian communities, the presence of Ganesh Ji on a luxury car may be embraced as a source of pride. The UAE is known for its multiculturalism, where Hindu festivals like Diwali are celebrated openly, making such symbolism less controversial.
Lanzante & Sensitivity in Muslim-Majority Contexts
In the wider Gulf, religious symbols outside Islam are sometimes approached cautiously. Lanzante may need to position the Ganesh Ji emblem as a universal symbol of wisdom, success, and resilience, rather than purely a religious icon. Marketing campaigns may be localized to avoid misinterpretation.
Focus on Exclusivity and Innovation
Luxury car buyers in the UAE prioritize exclusivity, design, and performance. For them, the Ganesh Ji logo could simply add uniqueness to the brand story, distinguishing Lanzante from competitors like Ferrari or Aston Martin.
Contrast with Other Car Logos
Most global car brands use animal symbols or geometric designs. Ferrari is known for its prancing horse, while Bentley features wings. Lanzante stands apart by turning to a spiritual symbol—Ganesh Ji—placing values of wisdom, balance, and overcoming obstacles at the center of its identity.
Lessons for Indian Brands
Lanzante’s decision also carries a message for Indian businesses. At a time when many local companies pursue Western-style branding, the acceptance of Ganesh Ji in a British luxury brand demonstrates the global relevance of embracing Indian cultural roots.
By using homegrown identity markers, Indian companies can stand out internationally and connect emotionally with global audiences.
