Why does the Audi logo have four rings?

Let’s go back to the beginning: the history of the Audi brand already began in the 19th century with August Horch. In 1899, the mechanical engineer founded his own business: August Horch & Cie. He initially built two-cylinder and, later, four-cylinder cars. In 1909, after a difference of opinions with the board of directors, he left the company.

Consequently, Horch founded a new car company in the same year. Since the name Horch was already taken, and he was prohibited from using it, he translated his family name into Latin: “Audi”. In 1910, the new brand’s first car entered the market. Audi garnered attention with its three consecutive victories at the International Austrian Alpine Rally between 1912 and 1914 — one of the most challenging rallies of its time.