Audi: A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

Audi AG, headquartered in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany, is a leading luxury car manufacturing company. August Horch, founder of 'Horch and the Audiwerke', merged his company with Wanderer and DKW in 1932 to form Auto Union AG. Now, let us take a look at the in-depth analysis of Audi's history, from its inception as an auto union to its current state.

Background of Audi Motor Company, Ltd

The AUDI AG's history dates back to 19th-century German automotive engineer August Horch, who started his career in engine construction. He later founded A. Horch & Cie in Cologne and relocated to Saxony in 1902 and 1904. Horch's contributions to car and engine production are significant in the company's history. In 1909, August Horch left A.Horch & Cie. and established a rival company, 'August Horch Authomobilewerke GmbH'. His former partners sued him for using his trademarked surname. Horch's son suggested a Latin translation, "Horch!", which became "Audi!" in Latin, and the new company name was established as Audi Automobilwerke GmbH, Zwickau on 25 April 1910. In December 1914, Audi Automobilwerke GmbH became a joint-stock company.

In 1932, Horchwerke, Audiwerke, and DKW merged to form Auto Union AG, becoming Germany's second-largest motor vehicle manufacturer. The company's emblem featured four interlocking rings representing the merger, with Audi, Horch, DKW, and Wanderer brand names retained. Each company had a specific role within the group. After WWII, the Soviet army occupied Auto Union AG's premises, seized assets, dismantled the plant, and removed the company from Chemnitz's Commercial Register in 1948. Auto Union GmbH, an independent manufacturing company, was established in Ingolstadt on September 3, 1949, and production of motorcycles and delivery vans began. Friedrich Flick acquired Auto Union GmbH stakes in 1954 to find a partner, which was later bought by Daimler-Benz AG in 1958, making Ingolstadt a fully-owned subsidiary by 1959. In 1964, Volkswagen acquired 50% of Audi, DKW, and Daimler-Benz brands, including engine designs and a factory in Ingolstadt. Daimler-Benz retained the Horch trademark and Düsseldorf factory. Ingolstadt increased assembling capacity by 1966.

VW resisted the DKW brand and Auto Union's standalone production, removing the four rings emblem from factory buildings. Auto Union was forbidden from further product development. Auto Union engineers developed the Audi 100, which was approved by Nordhoff. The A 100 was a huge success, reviving the Audi brand. The Audi 80 was introduced in 1972, laying the foundations for VW's front-wheel-drive water-cooled cars. In March 1969, NSU Motorenwerke AG and Auto Union GmbH, VW subsidiaries, merged to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG. Audi introduced the Quattro four-wheel-drive sports coupé in 1980, becoming the first high-performance vehicle with a full-time four-wheel drive system, a worldwide success in motorsport. In 1985, Audi NSU Auto Union AG was rebranded as AUDI AG.

Meaning of “AUDI”

Audi was established in 1885 through the establishment of the Wanderer Company, which later became an Audi subsidiary. August Horch founded A. Horch & Cie in 1899 and later formed Motowagenwerke AG in 1904. After a deteriorating relationship, Horch left Motowagenwerke in 1909 and established his own company, 'August Horch Authomobilewerke GmbH'. His former company's name, 'Audi', translates to 'to listen', and the new company was officially registered in 1910.

AUDI Symbol

Jørgen Rasmussen, an engineer, acquired Audi in 1928, merging with his companies to form the Auto Union in 1932, forming the four interlocking rings. The Audi emblem's striking resemblance to the Olympic Rings was a court ruling in 1995, allowing the two logos to be used harmoniously.

Finally

Audi is a luxury automotive brand known for high-quality vehicles, innovative technologies, and sleek designs, is known for its modern, forward-thinking, and classy approach. You can now browse the Audi stocklist for more available and latest models that suit your budget.