The automobile brand Audi is synonymous with luxury, higher driveability and comfort. The brand started its journey in 1909 in Zwickau, Germany. For more than a century, Audi has been unveiling performance-oriented vehicles known for their durability and technologically advanced vehicles. In this century’s long journey, Audi has experimented with a number of technologies and is credited with introducing the automobile industry with some of the most useful car features.
Let’s take a closer look at Audi’s history and unfold the events which help Audi to become a top-tier automobile brand.
Audi Brand History Timeline
Audi tops the list of popular used German car makes and models in the UAE. The core reason for this is the durability and longer life span of Audi vehicles.
Here we have mentioned Audi company history in more detail.
Birth of Audiwerke AG (1899 to 1931)
August Horch & Cie was the automobile brand founded by August Horch in 1899. After running it for a decade, Horch founded another company named Audiwerke AG in 1910 which became the base of the automobile brand Audi that we know today. The most interesting fact about Audi is that the name ‘Audi’ is the Latin translation of the founder’s surname Horch.
The Merger of Four Brands (1932 to 1944)
Horch’s Audiwerke AG launched a few models in the market that were well-received by the customers. However, in 1932, Horch decided to merge Audiwerke AG with three other brands resulting in the formation of Auto Union AG. The four brands that form Auto Union are Audi, Wanderer, DKW and Horch & Cie. That said, the four-ring Audi logo used to date symbolises the merger of these four companies.
The Auto Union AG became the second-largest automobile brand at that time. The Union is credited for rolling off some of the most iconic vehicles equipped with advanced features like FWD and powerful 6-cylinder engines. Some of the popular models manufactured during this era are Type UW, Front 225, Audi 920, and W23.
The successful journey of Audi was halted by the start of WWII. During the war, the production of civilian vehicles was paused and automobile brands were forced to manufacture war vehicles. The last model of this era was released in 1940, and after that, no Audi model was released until the next 15 years. To revive the brand, a new name Auto Union GmbH was registered.
Audi and World War (1945 to 1959)
Audi gradually revived its manufacturing plants and focused on manufacturing more reliable cars during the time of depreciation. As a result, models like F98, a delivery van and RT125, a motorbike, were released. These vehicles were well received by the customers, as they were reliable and adequate for the post-war conditions.
During this era, Friedrich Flick acquired a large number of stakes in the Auto Union and started finding more strong partners for the brand. Later in 1958, Daimler-Benz AG acquired 88% of the Auto Union.
Besides, here are some other Daimler-AG-owned brands still operated by the company.
Audi’s Post-War Cars (1960 to 1970)
Under the supervision of Daimler-Benz, Audi released its first post-war vehicle with a 4-cylinder 4-stroke engine. This marks the rebirth of Audi with newly designed and more performance-oriented vehicles.
The car was a huge success and following that success, Volkswagen acquired Audi. After the acquisition of VW, Audi 100 was launched in 1968. The 100 model was completely different from its predecessors which aided Audi in becoming a successful brand.
Audi Adopted Advanced Technology (1970 to 1990)
The spirit of newly designed vehicles was continued with the launch of the Audi 80 (B1 Series). The Audi 80 was way ahead of its time featuring an OHC engine, self-stabilising steering and a number of other advanced technical features.
It was during this era when Audi introduced some of its most iconic features including the 5-cylinder engine in 1976, turbocharging in 1979, and Audi’s Quattro Drivetrain in the 1980s. Moreover, the Audi 90 was released in 1987 which paved the way for Audi to be the leading automobile brand supported by the newly designed Audi’s V8 engine. All of these features helped Audi in competing with the market-leading luxury car brands of that time.
Audi Continued its Success (1991 to 2010)
In this era, Audi introduced aluminium space frames in its cars. The aluminium frame reduces the car’s weight and increases the car’s aerodynamics. Furthermore, Audi A2 which was a futuristic coupe was launched by the brand that revolutionised the coupe car market across the globe.
Some other successful models of Audi released in this era were Audi A4, A6, A4 and A3. The engine range introduced in these vehicles was 1.4,1.6,1.8, 2.6 and 2.8-litre engines. A few models were also rolled off with a 2.8, 2.2-litre turbocharged and V6 engine.
Audi in the Modern Era (2011 to 2023)
Currently, Audi is focused on creating hybrid and electric vehicles offering higher driveability, comfortable rides and efficient power output. The first electric Audi SUV was the Audi e-tron which is performing well in the market. Alongside engines, Audi is also working on embedding advanced features on the exterior such as; LED head and tail lights. It is regarded as the first automobile manufacturer to introduce digital OLED rear lights in the history of Audi lights. For the interior, cruise control, climate control, comfortable seats and ambience lighting are standard in many models.
FAQs
In which country Audi was formed?
Audi was established in Zwickau Germany. However, after the war, the brand expanded and started manufacturing in other parts of the world.
In which year Audi was founded?
Audi was founded in the year 1909 after the merger of four leading automobile brands of that time.
What are the 4 brands that form Audi?
Audi was founded when four different automobile brands namely: Audi, Wanderer, DKW and Horch & Cie were merged. The four rings in the Audi logo symbolise this merger.
This was the complete Audi history and all the important events that you must know. Since its inception, Audi is known for rolling off reliable and efficient vehicles. That said, if you are also interested in availing of these features, browse through these used Audi cars for sale in the UAE and drive your own iconic Audi.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for more information on Audi’s brand values.
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