‘Audi’s four rings are like a secret handshake among car enthusiasts’
It appears Audi will exclude the four-ring logo on a new range of electric vehicles planned for the Chinese market by 2030.
It is aiming to adapt its brand image to local preferences.
1932, the four-ring logo was introduced, symbolising the merger of four Saxony-based car manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer.
Each ring represents one of the founding companies, marking a collaborative effort to overcome the economic struggles of the Great Depression.
In 1958, Daimler-Benz Ownership acquired an 87% stake in Auto Union, which later increased to full ownership in 1959, with the four-ring logo continuing as the company’s emblem.
In 1964, Volkswagen acquired a 50% stake in Auto Union, becoming the sole owner by 1966, preserving the iconic four rings.
In 1985, Auto Union was officially renamed Audi AG, and the four-ring logo was reaffirmed as a core of the brand’s identity.
During the 1990s, the logo gained significant international recognition as Audi expanded its market, becoming synonymous with premium and high-performance vehicles.
In 2009, the rings were refined to a sleeker, more modern design, reflecting Audi’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology.
The Present Day: The four-ring logo stands globally as a mark of quality, luxury, and performance, encapsulating Audi’s brand values and engineering heritage.
Intriguingly, the name ‘Audi’ comes from the Latin translation of founder August Horch’s surname, which means ‘listen’ in German.
The rings also symbolise the harmony between listening to customer needs and engineering expertise.
Given the Chinese plans, whether all new electric vehicles will carry the Audi name or adopt a new branding altogether remains unclear.
This chronological summary highlights Audi’s rich history, its iconic four-ring logo, and the brand’s strategic evolution in response to global market dynamics.
I, for one, like the four rings, yet I suspect my view won’t make the slightest difference!
Audi’s four rings – ‘because nothing says ‘we’ve got it together’ like a car with more jewellery than the driver’
