ComfortDelGro apologises for 'Z' logo, says similarity to symbol backing Russia's Ukraine invasion unintended
SINGAPORE — Taxi operator ComfortDelGro Taxi has apologised for a new app with a logo that includes a stylised letter Z that is similar to a symbol of support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The firm said it will "reassess the rollout of the app".
In a Facebook post on Monday (April 25), the firm said it received “some feedback” about its new mobility and lifestyle app CDG Zig, which uses a white “Z” against a blue background for its logo. It was launched last Wednesday after the company merged its taxi booking app with its Zig lifestyle app.
“We would like to categorically state that we are not in favour of the use of force and acts of aggression against another sovereign state,” the firm said.
We would like to categorically state that we are not in favour of the use of force and acts of aggression against another sovereign state.
“The letter Z has never ever been used as war propaganda before — certainly not when we launched Zig last year.”
The firm added: “We would like to apologise if we have offended anyone. It was certainly not our intent.
“Having heard your feedback, we will reassess the rollout of our new logo at this point.''
Since the invasion in February, the letter Z has been used as a marking on Russian military vehicles taking part in the conflict, which is believed to help Russian forces identify their vehicles.
It has since been adopted by Russians supporting the war, seen painted on bus stops, road signs and billboards in Russia, and has even been used by Russia’s defence ministry in a promotional campaign.
Last month, Swiss firm Zurich Insurance removed its logo — also a white Z on a blue background — from social media because it did not want to be misinterpreted as supporting Russia in the conflict.
German officials have warned that individuals who display the letter in Germany to symbolise support for Russia’s aggression could be liable to prosecution, while Lithuania’s parliament last Tuesday voted to ban public displays of the letter.
ComfortDelGro acknowledged on Monday that the timing of the app relaunch amid the ongoing war may have come across as insensitive.
