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Audi History
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Audi dates back to the early 1900s when founder August Horch started the company. Roughly twenty years later, Audi joined forces with DKW, Horch, and Wanderer (each brand representing a ring in the four-ring Audi badge) to create Auto Union AG. Over the subsequent years, Auto Union AG saw success with racecars designed by Ferdinand Porsche, but WWII brought about the ultimate demise of the company. Auto Union resurfaced in 1949, was purchased by Volkswagen 15 years later, and was named Audi in 1965.
Volkswagen started transporting Audis in the U.S. in 1970, initially selling models such as the Audi 80 and, in 1980, the all-wheel-drive, turbocharged Audi Quattro. This sport coupe became a huge hit on the road rally circuit and offered buyers a vehicle unmatched by BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Next in the lineup of Audi cars was the Audi 4000 sedan, Audi 100, and the Audi 5000. Things only got better with the release of the Audi A4, which was effectively the successor to the Audi 80. A few years later, American car buyers were shown the Audi A8, featuring a lightweight aluminum body.
By the late 1990s, after introductions of the must-have products ranging from the Audi TT to the Audi A6 and Audi S4, sales were brisk and demand was increasing. The relatively small Audi A3 Sportback appealed to shoppers seeking Audi style and luxury in a smaller and slightly more affordable package, whereas the RS 4, Audi S4, and amazing Audi R8 super car cemented the four-ring badge into the minds of enthusiasts everywhere. The Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 provided alternatives to SUVs and crossovers including the Infiniti EX35 and BMW X5.
Future plans lean more toward engine technology and exquisite styling than greater dimensions. Look for the increased application of TDI diesel technology, more powerful sport models, and Audi's take on small crossovers and four-door coupes, such as the Audi Sportback concept car.
Volkswagen started transporting Audis in the U.S. in 1970, initially selling models such as the Audi 80 and, in 1980, the all-wheel-drive, turbocharged Audi Quattro. This sport coupe became a huge hit on the road rally circuit and offered buyers a vehicle unmatched by BMW or Mercedes-Benz. Next in the lineup of Audi cars was the Audi 4000 sedan, Audi 100, and the Audi 5000. Things only got better with the release of the Audi A4, which was effectively the successor to the Audi 80. A few years later, American car buyers were shown the Audi A8, featuring a lightweight aluminum body.
By the late 1990s, after introductions of the must-have products ranging from the Audi TT to the Audi A6 and Audi S4, sales were brisk and demand was increasing. The relatively small Audi A3 Sportback appealed to shoppers seeking Audi style and luxury in a smaller and slightly more affordable package, whereas the RS 4, Audi S4, and amazing Audi R8 super car cemented the four-ring badge into the minds of enthusiasts everywhere. The Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 provided alternatives to SUVs and crossovers including the Infiniti EX35 and BMW X5.
Future plans lean more toward engine technology and exquisite styling than greater dimensions. Look for the increased application of TDI diesel technology, more powerful sport models, and Audi's take on small crossovers and four-door coupes, such as the Audi Sportback concept car.
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