The story of Volkswagen And Audi, two of the most respected names in the automotive world, is deeply intertwined, beginning in the early 20th century. Audi’s roots stretch back to a visionary engineer, August Horch, whose ambition and drive laid the foundation for what would eventually become a cornerstone of the Volkswagen Group.
In 1899, August Horch established A. Horch & Cie. in Cologne, marking the birth of his automotive aspirations. By 1904, the company transitioned into a joint stock corporation, relocating its headquarters to Zwickau. However, disagreements within the company led Horch to depart in 1909. Undeterred, he quickly founded a new venture, August Horch Automobilwerke GmbH. Due to legal issues regarding his name, he rebranded this company in 1910 to Audi Automobilwerke GmbH. That same year, the Zwickau factory witnessed the production of the first Audi vehicle, signaling the arrival of a brand destined for international recognition.
During Germany’s Weimar Republic era, Audi experienced significant growth, establishing itself as a brand with a growing global presence. However, the economic turmoil of the Great Depression presented considerable challenges for both Horch and Audi. This financial strain became a catalyst for a strategic alliance.
In 1932, Audi joined forces with Horch and DKW, along with the automotive division of Wanderer-Werke AG, to create Auto Union AG, based in Chemnitz. This merger was a significant moment in German automotive history, consolidating the expertise and resources of these four Saxon manufacturers. The iconic logo of four interlocking rings was adopted to symbolize this union, each ring representing one of the founding companies: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer.
Auto Union emerged as Germany’s second-largest car manufacturer in the 1930s, offering a diverse range of models catering to various market segments. DKW focused on the lower mid-size market, achieving remarkable success as the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturer by 1937, producing nearly 60,000 units annually. This period solidified the foundation upon which both Audi and, later, Volkswagen would build their legacies. While this era predates the formal establishment of Volkswagen, the innovative spirit and engineering excellence of Auto Union brands like Audi were crucial in shaping the future of the German automotive industry, ultimately paving the way for the Volkswagen Group’s later dominance and the continued prominence of the Audi marque within it.
