Fact 1: The Four Ring Logo
While many people think that Audi's four interlaced ring logo is just a stylish design, it's actually representative of the four founding companies of Auto Union: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. Established in 1932, Auto Union is considered the predecessor of Audi AG.
Fact 2: Unique Study of Competition
Arguably one of the more interesting facts about Audi is that they purchased Ducati –yes, the motorcycle company–in 2012. Some believed this move was to study the competition, while others theorize that Audi was interested in Ducati's engine development, a shining example of Audi's innovative spirit.
Fact 3: Audi and the Invention of Left-hand Drive
Audi was the first company to introduce left-hand steering in cars. In 1921, Audi decided to shift the driver's steering wheel from the right side of the car to the left, allowing drivers to have a clearer view of oncoming traffic, transforming the entire automobile industry worldwide.
Fact 4: Audi's Motor Racing History
Audi has a historical significance in the world of motor racing. Using the Auto Union name, they were highly competitive in Grand Prix motor racing between 1934 and 1939. This effort then laid the foundation for their highly successful Le Mans racing program in the early 2000s.
Fact 5: Unusual Testing Techniques
Audi's precision and focus on quality don't stop at their cars - they also extend to the company's sound technicians, who listen to the sound of the closing car door to ensure it meets their high-quality standards.
Fact 6: The First to Test Crash
Audi was the first car manufacturer to perform crash tests for safety purposes. They started crash-test dummy research as early as 1938 which led to significant safety improvements over the years and set a trend in the industry.
Fact 7: The First All-Wheel Drive
Audi was the first manufacturer to produce a car with all-wheel drive (the Audi Quattro). This vehicle became a defining moment in rally car history and created an entirely new niche market.
Fact 8: Audi "Procon-Ten" Safety System
In the 1980s, Audi developed a unique safety system called "Procon-Ten". This system used cables to pull the steering wheel away from the driver and tighten their seat belt in the event of a collision.
Fact 9: Audi and Aluminum
Audi was the first automaker to create a fully aluminum car, the Audi A8. First launched in 1994, the A8 was unique in its use of aluminum, which reduced weight and improved fuel efficiency.
Fact 10: All Cars are Road Tested
Every single Audi produced is road tested for 100 kilometers before it is shipped to dealerships. The goal is to check functionality and performance across all systems, confirming the high standard of Audi products.
Fact 11: Connection with the Moon
The Audi Lunar Quattro was developed for Google's Lunar XPRIZE competition. This rover made by Audi aimed to travel 500 meters on the moon and capture high definition videos and images.
Fact 12: The Name's Origin
The name "Audi" is derived from the Latin translation of the founder’s name, August Horch. 'Horch' means ‘listen’ in German, which translates to 'Audi' in Latin.
Fact 13: Audi’s Revolutionary ‘LED’ Technology
Audi was the first company to use LED (light emitting diodes) technology for headlights. This technology, introduced in 2004, offered brighter and more efficient lighting, yet again pointing to Audi's innovative nature.
Fact 14: The Audi S1 Made History
Audi's S1 was the first car to jump a distance of more than 200 feet. This major leap was performed by former rally driver John Buffum in 1985.
Fact 15: Audi's Partnership with Marvel
Audi vehicles have made many cameos in Marvel movies. The renowned Iron Man series features Audi's R8, and many other models have also graced the screen in various Marvel cinematic installments.
Fact 16: The Most Watched Advertisement
Audi holds the record for the most watched automobile commercial on YouTube. The advertisement for Audi’s R8 V10 Plus was viewed more than 26 million times.
Fact 17: Audi Museum
The Audi museum in Ingolstadt, Germany, attracts more than 400,000 visitors every year. Here, aficionados and fans can inspect around 80 vehicles and numerous smaller exhibits, showcasing Audi's rich and varied history.
Fact 18: Audi’s Autonomous Car Achievements
Audi was the first automaker to receive a permit from the state of California to test self-driving cars on public roads. This was another feather in the cap for Audi, indicating its constant drive for technological advancements.
Fact 19: Audi’s Relation to Porsche
There's a familial connection between Audi and Porsche. Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of Porsche, sits on Audi's supervisory board. His grandson, Ferdinand Piëch, was Audi's chairman for several years.
Fact 20: The Audi A3 E-Tron
With a focus on sustainability, Audi introduced its first plug-in hybrid, the A3 e-Tron, as a step into creating more fuel-efficient and environment-friendly cars in the future.
With such a strong history of innovation, precision, quality and a constant push towards technological advancements, it's no wonder that Audi has its place among the top brands of the world.