The Famous Four Rings
What does the famous Audi logo signify?
The four-ring marque is not simply a conjured design, but rather an iconic representation of how four major brands united to form one company.
Audi
Here's a brief historical recap. It began with August Horch - the mechanical engineer who founded his company, August Horch & Cie, in 1899.  Initially he built two-cylinder cars, then progressed to crafting four-cylinder models. He left the company in 1909 after a difference of opinions with its board of directors. The very same year he formed a second automobile company. Horch's surname had been protected by trademark with his previous business, so he chose to use its Latin translation: "Audi".
Auto Union AG
The four rings symbolized the integration of four automobile manufacturers: Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer became Auto Union AG. Following that merger, Auto Union AG was the second-largest motor vehicle manufacturer in Germany.
Four ringed logo
The company's emblem - a stylish four-ringed logo - symbolized their inseparable unity. The four brands retained their original brand names and were each given a specific market segment.
The Audi symbol meaning today remains the same as for the initial launch of the Audi brand. The four-ring design remains a testament to the origin of the business.
