The roots of Audi can be traced back to the early 20th century, specifically to the year 1909, when August Horch founded the company under his own name, “August Horch Automobilwerke GmbH.” Horch, a visionary engineer and entrepreneur, had already garnered a reputation for producing high-quality automobiles during his tenure at another automotive company. However, due to creative differences with the board, he decided to establish his own venture, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become Audi.

In 1910, the company’s first automobile rolled off the production line, marking the beginning of Audi’s journey in the automotive industry. The name “Audi” itself has an interesting origin; it is derived from the Latin translation of Horch’s surname, meaning “listen.” This change came about due to a legal dispute over the use of the “Horch” name, prompting the adoption of “Audi,” a name that would soon resonate with automotive enthusiasts worldwide.