August Horch left Horch-Werke in 1909 and started another automobile factory in Zwickau. He was not allowed to use his own name for his new factory so he chose the Latin translation of his own name and came up with the new and innovative name – Audi.
In 1910, the first Audi car was unveiled. Audi has been known for its racing cars as well as its dependable and unique consumer cars. From 1912 to 1914, the Audi won several victories during the International Austrian Alpine Run. Shortly after World War I, Audi became the first car to position the steering wheel on the left to move the gear lever to the center of the car. Therefore, the original design we know today is all from the genius of August Horch and his wonderful Audi.
The Evolution of Audi
1923:
The first six-cylinder Audi made an appearance.
Audi used the first hydraulic four-wheel brake system in Germany which was designed and built by Audi.
1927:
Heinrich Schuh the chief designer of Audi brought the first 8-cylinder model named Imperator to consumers. However, the power of the deluxe cars was not in demand and Audi suffered a decline in purchases.
1928:
Jorgen Skafte Rasmussen purchased the company. During this transitional period, Zschopauer Motorenwerke J. S. Rasmussen AG became the absorption company, in which already owned Audi-Werke AG; others put under their control were Horch-Werke AG and Wanderer-Werke through a purchase and lease agreement. At this time, this Auto Union was worth 14.5 million Reichsmarks, with the State Bank of Saxony controlling 80 % of the interest.
1933:
The Audi was showcased at the German Automobile Exhibition. It received quite a bit of attention with its front wheel drive for a mid size car.
1938:
The Audi 920 was introduced with a high performance engine with top speeds of 140 km/h. The Audi 920 was available as a 6-window saloon and as a two-door convertible with four windows.
1939:
By the end of 1939, Auto Union with its consolidated sales was up to 276 million Reichsmarks and their workforce was up to 23,000.
1940:
The last civil vehicle was built and production was geared toward production for the war effort of World War II.
1948:
All of Auto Union AG’s facilities were destroyed and occupied by Soviet Forces. Many of the senior members of management had moved to Ingolstadt, Bavaria. Their new home.
1949:
September 3, 1949 marked the beginning of a new company, Auto Union GmbH. This company is the direct ancestor of the Audi AG we all know today.
The four-ring emblem came into existence this year.
Jumping ahead to 1964:
Auto Union had over the years seen financial difficulties and in this year, they made the decision to sell Auto Union GmbH to VW AG. This was done between 1964 and 1966 in several stages. The new owner spent DM 297 million on the entire transaction but by 1966 had acquired on the shares of the Auto Union GmbH.
1965:
The DKW cars were thrown out and the VW Beetle was introduced.
The new Audi was introduced in August 1965. This Audi had a four-stroke engine, which was built in Inglstadt.
1966 & 1967:
Germany was hit with a hard recession, which also hit Auto Union just as bad. Production was cut and of course, money was lost.
1969 – 1973
Auto Union GmbH merged with NSU Motorenwerke AG. The new name Audi NSU Auto Union AG was born.
Production of Audi and NSU cars were on the rise with 400,000 cars manufactured in 1973 alone.
1974 & 1975
The international economy began heading downward. By 1975, 1,700 jobs were gone at the Ingholstadt.
Nearing the end of 1975, the volume of sales of Audi models were on the rise again.
1977:
The last NSU Ro 80 car was created in March of this year. From this day, forward all cars manufactured in Neckarsulm carry the name Audi.
1980:
The Audi Quattro was unveiled. This first production car had permanent four-wheel drive.
1982:
Audi won the Manufacturers World Championship and became the first German brand to win this prestigious award.
Introduced the Audi cD 0.30.
1984:
Won the Manufacturers World Championship
1985:
Audi NSU Auto Union AG became known as AUDI AG.
1986:
Introduced the third generation of the Audi 80 commonly known as the B3
1988:
Unveiled the Audi V8 with a 184 kW 3.6 liter 8 cylinder alloy engine
1989:
Introduced the Audi 100, in the autumn of this year, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This Audi has a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder TDI engine.
1991:
At the Frankfurt Motor Show, the Audi Quattro Spyder was unveiled and the Audi Avus Quattro was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show.
1993:
Audi Space frame was presented at the Frankfurt Motor show as a lightweight aluminum product car.
1994:
The Audi A8 was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the first model with an all aluminum body.
The Audi 80 was renamed the A4
The Audi 100 was renamed the A6.
2000:
The first volume built aluminum car went into production, the Audi A2.
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