The new visual identity changes the livery and technical identification of the machines while keeping the same quality engineering under the hood.
Komatsu machines are getting a small but significant visual identity (VI) overhaul. The changes — our first in more than 20 years — represent Komatsu’s commitment to our employees, our customers and the planet as we strive to keep ourselves future-forward. It's more than just a cosmetic update; it's a tangible expression of Komatsu's human-centered design philosophy.
Komatsu unveils a fresh look after more than years, with the new livery, diagonal stripes symbolizing progress, unity and our commitment to a sustainable future.
Komatsu has had an iconic three stripe livery since 2001. When it was established, it represented utilities, construction and mining. Those were the cornerstone industries of Komatsu and represented our continued commitment to those areas of focus. Since then, Komatsu has created a strong presence in other industries, expanding our scope. The renewed stripes will move from three horizontal stripes to three diagonal, parallel ones. The design evokes a sense of movement and momentum toward the future while alluding to our brand promise of creating value together, with the stripes representing society, our customers and Komatsu’s employees moving forward in harmony and a commitment to collaborative progress.
There will also be changes to other areas of our livery, including a more unified look and feel for technical identification decals. This attention to detail, from the overall aesthetic to the smallest functional element, underscores the commitment to thoughtful design.
Design standards change, but strong brand identity endures. Komatsu is not losing the three stripes that have buoyed our legacy, but they are changing.
Komatsu machines are engineered for a long service life, with a typical lifespan of 30-40 years. This durability, coupled with our focus on repairability and innovation, ensures lasting value. The new livery reflects this longevity, enhancing resale potential and contributing to a more sustainable future by extending machine lifecycles and minimizing environmental impact.
Komatsu’s design choices are no accident, following a particular design philosophy that closely follows company culture.
It’s a human-centered approach that prioritizes not just aesthetics, but also functionality, safety, and the experience of everyone involved — from operators and maintenance crews to the communities where the machines operate. Designers work closely with engineers and stakeholders, integrating feedback to create machines that are both robust and aesthetically pleasing.
The design philosophy also involves the Komatsu name as a visual signifier. The exterior of the machine is part of the brand experience. Designers and technical engineers work together to make a Komatsu design both attractive and functional. This visual point of contact requires that Komatsu machines look modern. A dated design can make a product or brand appear outdated, uncompetitive, and less appealing to modern consumers who are drawn to contemporary aesthetics and innovation.
