Audi – the German automaker – has been around for more than a century now. Standing strong against all adversities, Audi has seen it all – the rise and fall and the rise again! From a small, innovative company to a global icon, Audi has made its place in the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide.
The history of Audi dates back to the early 1900s, when August Horch established it in 1909 in Zwickau, Germany. The company was initially named Horch Automobil-Werke GmbH, which was later changed to Audi Automobilwerke GmbH in 1910. The name “Audi” was derived from the founder’s surname, which means “to listen” in Latin. Audi officially became a part of Volkswagen in 1966 and remained there since.
Audi went through several ups and downs in the early years until it finally settled for reliability, economy, and practicality in the 1920s. During World War II, the company shifted its focus from cars to military vehicles and weapons. After the war, Audi was divided into four independent companies by the Allied forces; these companies were Auto Union AG, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. In 1965, these four companies merged to become the modern-day Audi.
In the 1970s and 1980s, Audi’s focus was on rally car racing, which made the automaker a cult favorite among car enthusiasts. In 1980, Audi introduced the legendary Audi Quattro, the world’s first all-wheel-drive sports car. The Quattro was an instant hit and brought a revolution in the automotive industry. The Quattro’s all-wheel-drive system offered unmatched performance on all terrains, and its design was ahead of its time.
In the 1990s, Audi turned towards luxury and started producing high-end sedans. Models like the A4, A6, and A8 were the backbone of Audi’s success in this era. Audi’s success continued in the 2000s, with the introduction of new models like the TT, R8, and Q7. All these models offered excellent performance and were appreciated by critics and car enthusiasts alike.
In the current times, Audi is focusing on electrification, and the company’s future seems to be electric. The e-tron SUV, e-tron Sportback, and the Q4 e-tron are some of Audi’s latest endeavors towards electric mobility. Audi has also entered the world of Formula E, a racing series for electric cars. Besides electric cars, Audi is also working on autonomous driving technology, and we can surely expect some exciting innovations in the near future.
History of Audi
Audi’s journey over the last century has been nothing short of remarkable. From a small company to a global giant, and now a leader in electric mobility and autonomous driving, Audi has evolved beautifully. The company’s focus on innovation, performance, and reliability has made it a favorite among car enthusiasts. With new technologies, designs, and models on the horizon, the future of Audi seems bright. We hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane with Audi and look forward to what the future holds for the iconic automaker!