Audi originally began manufacturing cars in **1909** when August Horch founded the company in Zwickau. The name "Audi" was derived from the Latin translation of Horch's surname, which means "listen".
Audi has a rich and complex history that dates back to the early 20th century. Here’s an overview of the marque’s journey:
Early Years
1909: August Horch founded the company in Zwickau, Germany. The name “Audi” was derived from the Latin translation of Horch’s surname, which means "listen"1.
1910: The company began operating under the name Audiwerke AG.
Formation of Auto Union
1932: Four automobile manufacturers based in Saxony—Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer—merged to form Auto Union AG2. The four interlocking rings of the Audi logo symbolize this merger.
Post-War Era
1945: After World War II, Auto Union AG’s premises were expropriated, and the company was removed from the Commercial Register.
Modern Era
1965: The modern Audi era began when Volkswagen acquired Auto Union from Daimler-Benz and relaunched the Audi brand with the introduction of the Audi F103 series.
1969: Volkswagen merged Auto Union with NSU Motorenwerke, creating the present-day form of the company.
Recent Developments
Present: Audi is a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group and produces vehicles in nine production facilities worldwide1. The company is known for its luxury vehicles and its slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Progress through Technology).
Audi’s history is marked by innovation, mergers, and a commitment to producing high-quality, luxury vehicles.