Intro: Intriguingly, Audi is not a product of the post-WW2 period. In fact, Audi Automobilwerk GmbH was formed in Zwickau in 1910 by August Horch. He had been an employee of Benz & Cie. Actually, his first car company had been A Horch & Cie, established in 1899. The German word "horch" is linked to hearing and as he was not allowed to use his own name to form a rival company, he opted for the Latin derivative; hence, Audi. In 1932, four German brands - Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer - formed an amalgamation known as Auto Union, the symbol of which was four circles connected in a line.
By 1958, Mercedes-Benz had taken over the control of the company, but only six years later Volkswagen bought the majority of Auto Union shares and the name was foreshortened to Audi, once again. Under the stewardship of Dr Piech, Audi acquired troubled supercar manufacturer Lamborghini. The company's products have become famous for their engineering integrity and the use of advanced manufacturing techniques. The extensive use of aluminium and magnesium has led the entire market and Audi is regarded as a premium quality manufacturer.
Audi is now a credible rival to the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW. The Audi Group within the Volkswagen Group now comprises Audi, Cosworth Motor Technologies, Lamborghini and Seat.
The latest generation A6 which was introduced at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show heralds a new chapter in the history of the company.
With the unveiling of the Q7 at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show Audi complemented its lineup with its first-ever SUV. |
