They are iconic symbols.

Familiar to many on the roads, the four rings of Audi and the Honda symbol are just two of the popular sights on our motorways.

But what do these car symbols actually stand for?

DAVID LINKLATER / STUFF

Sure, it's iconic, but do you know what the symbol means?

We've rounded up five manufacturers with a subtext behind their logo.

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Audi has four rings because it was an amalgamation of four different companies, Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer.

Honda's symbol has always looked like an italicised H, but is actually supposed to be two people shaking hands.

Mercedes' three-pointed star was created to embody the firm's desire to show motorised mastery of three elements.

Roll's Royce was all about the Spirit of Ecstasy, thought to be actress Eleanor Thornton.

And Ferrari's prancing horse appeared on the emblem of WWI pilot Francesco Baracca - and his mother told Enzo Ferrari it would symbolise good luck.

 - Stuff