The Meaning Behind the Audi Logo
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Audi uses four interlinked rings as its emblem because in 1932, Audi merged with Horch, Wanderer, and DKW to form 'Auto Union,' with each ring representing one of these companies. The four rings are of equal size and interlocked, symbolizing the equal status and unbreakable unity of the four companies. History of the Audi logo: 1. First Appearance of the Four Rings: (1) The history of German Audi's automobile and motorcycle manufacturing dates back to the 19th century. (2) Originally, there were four automobile companies in Saxony: Audi and Horch in Zwickau, Wanderer in Chemnitz-Siegmar, and DKW in Zschopau. (3) These four companies merged in 1932 to form Auto Union AG (hereinafter referred to as Auto Union). In terms of production volume, Auto Union was the second-largest automobile manufacturer in Germany at that time, adopting the four interlinked rings as its trademark, representing the four merging companies. This marked the first appearance of the four-ring emblem in the world. 2. Post-WWII Reorganization: After WWII, Auto Union's manufacturing plants in Saxony were confiscated and dismantled by the Soviet occupation forces. Subsequently, many of the company's executives relocated to Bavaria and established Auto Union GmbH in Ingolstadt in 1949, inheriting the tradition of the original Auto Union and continuing to use the four interlinked rings as its emblem. 3. Continued Use to This Day: Auto Union GmbH merged with NSU GmbH in 1969 to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG; in 1985, the company was renamed Audi AG, with its headquarters moved to Ingolstadt, and the four-ring emblem has been in use ever since.