How Karl Benz's trainee created Audi / The History of Audi

The history of Audi is varied and filled with key events. Its tradition of cars and engines manufacturing dates back to the 19 century.

Founded on July 16, 1909 in Zwickau, Germany, Audi AG is a world-renowned manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and is one of the three luxury automakers, besides Mercedes Benz and BMW, that together constitute what is known as the 'German Big 3' - a group of those three car-manufacturers from Germany that also happen to be the largest sellers of luxury cars in the whole world. With 99.55% of its shares under the ownership of the Volkswagen Group of Germany, Audi has been a majorly-owned subsidiary of the Volkswagen clan ever since 1966. Today, from its magnificent headquarters situated in the city of Ingolstadt in Bavaria, Germany, the company carries out its operations in over a 100 countries, a 110, to be precise, across the globe.

The origins of this legendary auto-clan date back to November 14, 1899, the day when its founder, August Horch, established his very first car company, named as A. Horch & Cie. Motorwagen Werke, in the district of Cologne where he built his very first car in 1901. Following a difference of opinion with the company's supervisory board, Horch had to move out of his business venture and move on to establish a new car factory by the name of Horch Automobil-Werke GmbH in 1909. But the same fate followed Horch in this new venture as well, and soon he found himself, yet again, severing ties with a company that he had established himself. Not one to be discouraged so easily, August Horch, in 1909 itself set up a second 'Horch' car factory in Zwickau, which he later renamed as 'Audi' due to some trademark infringement issues with his former business allies. Early in the year after that, the world got to witness the launch of the first Audi car, the Type B, after which the automaker never had to look back.

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[bobdodson]

Back in 1998 I drove a Mercedes S class for the first time. I never drove a car so nice and vowed to myself I was not going to buy another car until I could afford a Mercedes. I owned 3 Mercedes since. In 2000 I drove an Audi Q3 and experienced the same feeling I had when I drove my first Mercedes. I'm an Audi owner now. Great cars.

[keithmcelfresh]

My wife wanted an Audi and we started with an A6. She unfortunately contracted brain cancer and as her needs grew, I changed to Q7 and when she couldn't get up into the SUV, I traded it for an A8. She loved being in the car and I have an A8 today. Beautiful cars with great handling, styling and above all a memory.

[Marie-oruj]

I've been an owner of Audi Q5 & A4 prestige. Extremely happy. I've driven Lexus, MB, BMW & Range Rover in the past, but I kept returning to Audi. It's just smooth & glides easily.
We all have our own preferences of course, but Audi will always have my heart.

[tilu]

I didn't drive one until 2016 and that year I bought 2 of them on the CPO program and still love them today. They provide an amazing feel of the road while delivering smooth and significant power in a sure-footed manner - all while caressing occupants in quiet, luxurious comfort. Despite that, they seem to be the most understated member of the collection of German luxury car brands.

[semkali]

I love Audi, the most sporty and elegant car brand I can imagine today. I'm driving for almost 10 years Audi cars and I am never going back to another brand, PERIOD!!

[TDdd]

I owned a 2001 Audi TT coupe for 18 years. It had the 5-speed manual shift, but now my son owns it. Another company has followed Audi closely by designing and manufacturing well engineered cars. Mazda has been doing that for many years. I own a 2023 Mazda CX-30 with a high performance 2.5 liter engine, and 6-speed automatic/manual shift transmission.

[nunopais]

Love my Audi wagon. I remember the Audi quattro when it came out on the rally of Portugal. Love to fix the Audi's, so Smart on the engineer part.

[jimmy_lehfeldt]

Great review of the Audi development. I have a two thousand sixteen Audi S6. It is a Fantastic car, The best car i've ever owned and i've had lots including sports cars.
I've never had so much fun driving.

[BenjaminGarcia-qblr]

My first Audi was back in 2011 and it was an A6 2.7T. It rains so comfortably + it had great speed. Since then I only own Audi cars. 2009 A6 3.0T and a 2017 A4 Sline primuim plus. They both still looks like brand new cars

[derekstocker]

Amazing details in this great video, thanks for this.
I can recall in the 1950s seeing an Auto Union badged car with the four rings on a drive and even then was quite fascinated.
I have been a Ford and BMW driver for many years but the new Audi range looks so very good and many are seen on UK roads now in various forms.
If I need another car at any time, I just may give the Audi a look in, the fact that they do not seem to corrode like some other makes is a great asset especially in the UK, and also if you tend to keep cars for a long time, as I do. Well done, very interesting video.

[farieddebruyns]

Yes. I drove one many times. Quite smooth, and graceful.

[davidsibble]

I am the happy owner of a 2014 Audi A6❤This was my choice after owning 2 Volkswagens, and find it was the most beautiful combination of design, power, comfort and practical performance, especially with Quattro. The drive of Quattro is held reliably and smoothly only by Audi vehicles and is an incredible experience by itself. Very very hard to say if my next car will be other than an Audi😊

[adrianmonk]

Video very well done, great narrative, & very interesting. When you are moving that much ideas, man power, materials, & tooling, The Endeavor does not move in a straight line BUT CERTAINLY A LASTING LEGACY.

[mevio]

Amazing brand and cars. Elegant, efficient and powerful.

[kevincueakamau]

❤ worked for Audi in Ingolstadt as student

[manaudia]

I have owned 14 Audi cars and enjoyed them all.

[leoalves]

I am a proud owner of a blue Audi A3 TFSI 2018 😁 just puts a smile on my face every time I drive it.

[elvisidumijie]

What do I think about Audi cars?! I love their excellence. My dad bought an Audi 80 in Kaduna, Nigeria when I was in elementary school. I fell in love with it. Started driving it from 1989 when I was about 16 years old. He let me drive and got me a learner's permit as I was not old enough to have a driver's license. I don't have an Audi myself today but I hope to buy one. I even saw one today around Jabi Lake in Abuja and the 4 rings instantly caught my attention. I loved the speed and stability of the Audi 80 when I used to drive my dad's and wished he gave it to me in 1992 but he sold it. For whatever reason I still want an Audi among my collections.

[GunRunner]

I am the proud owner of a 2021 Audi A6 Prestige which is the 5th of this brand that I have owned. These are great cars. Every time I buy a car I shop Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, Infinity even Jaguar and have not found a better car for the money in any of these marques. I have found the quality and service of Audi to be excellent. I don't know what my next car will be but based on past history I can guess.

[nickkazynski]

I love them I just bought a 2018 Audi A4 2.0 turbo Quattro The thing is beautiful fast I love it and my mom says it's easier to park