The Audi logo is made up of four interlocking rings that symbolize the merger of four German Automakers in 1932. The Auto Union.
The first ring represents the original company in the union, Audi. Founded by August Horch. The second ring represents DKW, a steam engine manufacturer that began building cars in 1928. Third ring represents Horch. The fourth ring represents Wanderer. This groundbreaking alliance among four German car manufacturers was just the start to Audi. This collaboration was forged to combine resources and expertise, allowing Audi to thrive in the already competitive automobile industry. Beyond the emblems classy aesthetic, these interlinked rings carry the weight of Audi‘s legacy, and the journey it has undertaken.
The emblem, then, wasn't Audi just yet, it was Auto Union. So, how did Auto Union become, simply, Audi?
Auto Union started producing cars, motorcycles and vans after World War II but soon hit financial and labor problems in the 1950s. Daimler-Benz bought out Auto Union in 1958 and encountered more financial troubles. Auto Union was then sold to Volkswagen. In 1964 Auto Union began selling cars under the name Audi after the Volkswagen take over. 1969, Auto Union then acquired yet another car maker. NSU. The company soon went by the unwieldy name of Audi NSU Auto Union AG. In 1985, It was condensed to just Audi AG.
That’s just the abridged version of Audi’s complex history. Now imagine though if one of the other brands survived over Audi, or if there were five rings instead of four, would you have bought a Horch?
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