Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer. They design, engineer, produce, market, and distribute luxury vehicles. These cars are popular throughout the world and the manufacturer’s fans really enjoy  the ride the cars give. Here’s a look at the history of this company:

Early History

August Horch & Cie. Was founded in 1899 in Cologne. Engineer August Horch was one of the pioneering figures in automobile engineering. Around 1909, Horch left this company that he founded. In 1909, Horch established the Audi AG. He couldn’t use his name for this company, so Horch was translated from its German meaning of “listen” into Latin, which is Audi. Audi became the first German automaker to introduce left-hand drive in 1921.

In 1932 August Horch and two other manufacturers (DKW and Wanderer) founded the Auto Union in 1932. The four rings of the Audi logo represent the four car manufacturers that came together to create Audi’s predecessor company (Auto Union).

These four companies are: Audi, Horch, DKW, and Wanderer. Each of the four brands was retained and given their own specific market within the company. DKW made small cars and motorcycles; Horch was top end luxury cars; Wanderer made midsize cars; and Audi produced deluxe, midsize cars. In 1938 Auto Union produced a racecar, called the Auto Union Type C, which went 268 mph!

New Era for Audi

In 1965, a new Auto Union model was introduced. It was the company’s first post-war vehicle with a four-stroke engine, DKW’s F 102. It was at this time they decided it was time for a new name as well and settled on Audi. Also in 1965, the Volkswagen Group would acquire Audi. The company has conducted crash tests for more than 75 years.

There was none of the modern crash test technologies or even dummies used, so they would roll an Audi down a hill and let it crash as a group of people would watch. Audi was the first car manufacturer to win Le Mans with both a diesel and hybrid powered car.

Top-selling Models and Awards

Audi has had a number of best-selling models. The Audi A3 Convertible is a four-seater sedan with a responsive 1.8-turbocharged four-cylinder engine and attractive look. The Audi R8 V10 is a true work of art and packed with technology as well as formidable engine. The Audi TT is a sports coupe that gives the competition a run for its money with a 2.0L engine and front wheel drive.

The Audi Q5 is an elegant SUV with pioneering technology, 252 horsepower, and a 7-speed S tronic transmission. Audi has won awards including: “2018 Best Cars For Families” for their Audi Q5 and A6 by U.S. News & World Report, “World Luxury Car 2018” in the World Car Awards, “Best New Car” for the Audi A7 in the luxury midsize SUV category by Good Housekeeping in 2018, and “Best Luxury Small Car for the Money” for the Audi A3 by U.S. News & World Report in 2018.

Audi is a company with a long history. To this day they continue to produce cars that challenge the competition.