Explore Audi
Core profile pages, annual revenue records, and related research hubs for this company.
Explore Audi
Core profile pages, annual revenue records, and related research hubs for this company.
Company History
Founded 1909 in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, Germany
August Horch founded his second automobile company in 1909 in Zwickau, Germany — he had already founded the first Horch automobile company and been forced out by the board.
August Horch’s innovations in the early 20th century fundamentally changed the automotive landscape, introducing advanced engineering principles that prioritized reliability and performance. His patents and brand equity were eventually acquired by the Auto Union conglomerate in 1932, which became the core asset of the modern Audi AG following its re-establishment in Ingolstadt in 1965.
August Horch founds his new automobile company in Zwickau, Germany, after being forced out of his original enterprise, establishing the foundational engineering assets that would eventually become Audi.
The first car bearing the Audi name, the Type A, rolls off the production line, establishing the brand’s reputation for engineering excellence and reliability.
Audi merges with Horch, DKW, and Wanderer to form the Auto Union conglomerate, creating the iconic four-ring logo and establishing a formidable force in the European automotive industry.
Following Volkswagen’s acquisition of the Auto Union, the first modern Audi vehicle, the F103, is launched, marking the rebirth of the Audi brand after the devastation of World War II.
Audi revolutionizes the automotive industry with the introduction of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which dominates rally racing and permanently alters the perception of premium vehicle dynamics.
Audi pioneers the use of the Aluminum Space Frame (ASF) construction methodology in the A8, reducing vehicle weight by up to 40% and setting a new standard for luxury vehicle efficiency and handling.
Audi expands Premium Platform Electric (PPE) launches and software-defined vehicle work as part of Volkswagen Group electrification strategy.
Audi AG acquired the Italian ultra-luxury sports car manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini from the Malaysian-owned MegaTech group for approximately $112 million. The strategic rationale was to secure a halo brand that could elevate the technological cachet of the entire Volkswagen Group, while simultaneously providing Audi with access to Lamborghini’s advanced lightweight composite manufacturing expertise and high-revving naturally aspirated engine architecture.
Audi AG, acting on behalf of the Volkswagen Group, completed the acquisition of the remaining 90.1% stake in Italdesign Giugiaro for $147 million, having initially purchased a 49% minority stake in 2010. The acquisition was executed to internalize the Group’s external design and engineering consultancy capabilities, bringing the legendary styling house founded by Giorgetto Giugiaro fully under corporate control to streamline the development of future vehicle architectures and concept cars.
The Volkswagen Group acquired the Italian premium motorcycle manufacturer Ducati for $937 million (approximately $1.1 billion at the time), with the operational management and strategic oversight of the brand assigned directly to Audi AG. The rationale was to leverage Audi’s expertise in high-performance engineering, lightweight materials, and premium brand positioning to elevate Ducati’s global footprint and integrate its advanced two-stroke and four-stroke engine technologies into the Group’s broader mobility portfolio.
Audi traces its origins to 1909, with August Horch tied to the founding story.
Volkswagen's revival of Auto Union and Audi, followed by Quattro, turned the brand into a global premium automaker.
Audi expanded by building premium combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles plus financing, parts, and service, serving luxury car buyers, dealers, fleet customers, and owners using finance and service plans, and using premium pricing, Volkswagen Group platforms, Quattro engineering, EV launches, and software improvement.
This Audi history page covers founding, growth milestones, leadership changes, and modern strategic context.
They represent the four Auto Union brands: Audi, Horch, DKW, and Wanderer.