Southgate Audi strives to represent the Audi brand to its fullest here in the Edmonton area. What does the brand encompass? It’s quality and progression. How does the company’s symbol factor into this? Read on and learn more about the iconic four ring’s origins.

A Symbol of Unity

The Audi emblem is simple: four metal rings joined together. It’s iconic, yet most people don’t know what it means or where it came from. This multi-faceted story spans all the way back to 1932. Before it became what is was today, there were four independent motor-vehicle manufacturers in the German market: DKW, Horch, Wanderer, and of course, Audi. They joined together and formed what we know today as Audi AG. The four circles represent the amalgamation of all four German companies and the history that was made.

Audi’s Vision for the Future

Originally founded in 1899, August Horch started with creating Horch & Cie in Cologne, Germany where he helped build his first car. Eventually, his ideals clashed with those of the company’s board members, so he formed a second automobile company. However, his surname was already protected by trademark with the previous company, so he decided to use the latin translation for it—an idea that came from the son of one of Horch’s business partners. It translated from “Horch” (or “hark”) to Audi. And so, the first of the four companies was born!

August Horch went on to be involved with the Austrian Alpine Runs, helping him succeed in making Audi internationally known within just a few years. Today, it is one of the leading and best-selling luxury automobile brands in the world.

The company’s luxurious brand bleeds throughout its vehicles. From its commercial vehicles such as the A1, A3, A4, to the Audi Sport line such as the Formula E, World Rx, and the GT4, the quality in each vehicle is uncompromising.

Want to learn more about our vehicles? Come to our showroom in the south side of Edmonton, or book a test drive to see what we mean by uncompromising quality.