Latest news with #FourRings
Daily Record
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
People are only just realising what the iconic Audi logo actually means
No matter your level of interest in vehicles, Audi is a brand that most are familiar with. The automotive giant has stood the test of time for over a century and sports an easily recognisable emblem. Yet, despite the frequent sight of an Audi on our roads, many remain unaware of what its iconic rings represent. The question, in fact, sparked curiosity on Reddit when one person enquired about the meaning behind the Audi emblem. The query attracted a host of replies, with car enthusiasts chiming in with various theories. One individual explained: "The four Audi rings signify Audi, Horscht, DKW and Auto Union. These were four companies that were combined after WW2 because they were all going out of business alone." Another suggested: "Old 'Quattro GmbH' badge, which was the old name of the company that is now known as 'Audi Sport'. So this is pretty much the predecessor of the S-badge you get on the steering wheels of S-line models of newer cars. "If it was a S model, like a S2 back then, the left of the silver bars would say 'S' and the right would say '2'." What many might not realise is that the Audi crest goes beyond being just an aesthetic logo. It's a symbol rich with the brand's identity, principles and narrative. Beyond its sleek design, the Four Rings of Audi encapsulates the brand's storied heritage and its evolutionary journey. A statement from Audi Great Neck reveals: "In the early 1930s, a groundbreaking collaboration among four distinguished German car manufacturers – Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer – led to the birth of Auto Union AG. "This alliance was forged to combine resources and expertise, enabling them to thrive in the fiercely competitive automobile industry. The Four Rings emblem emerged as the physical embodiment of this unity. "Each ring represented one of the four contributing companies, a testament to their combined endeavors and shared ambitions." While the emblem centres on the concept of unity, it has evolved subtly over time to keep pace with evolving trends in the automotive sector. Regardless of these changes, the core message of unity has always been maintained. It's commonly noted that the brand consistently achieves a fine blend of tradition and modern flair within its emblem. Furthermore, Audi Great Neck states: "Beyond its surface elegance, the Four Rings emblem conceals a profound symbolism nestled within each ring. Audi's ring signifies progress and innovation, DKW embodies ingenuity, Horch represents luxury and Wanderer embodies the spirit of exploration. "When brought together within the emblem, these meanings combine to define Audi's multifaceted character. As years have passed, the Four Rings emblem has grown to be synonymous with Audi's commitment to excellence. "It has graced vehicles that achieved remarkable feats, from triumphant victories on racetracks to groundbreaking technological advancements. The emblem also proudly adorned Audi's iconic Quattro all-wheel-drive system, cementing the brand's reputation for exceptional performance."
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
AUDI, Not Audi: A New EV Sub-Brand Prepares for Launch
Audi has been a staple of China's luxury car market for decades, but with local automakers gaining ground, the German brand is shifting gears. To stay competitive, Volkswagen Group is launching a China-exclusive sub-brand called AUDI — yes, in all caps — focused solely on electric vehicles. The first production model will be revealed at Auto Shanghai on April 23, marking the beginning of an ambitious plan to establish AUDI as a major player in the world's largest car market. Unlike the Audi models sold globally, AUDI vehicles won't feature the brand's iconic Four Rings emblem. Instead, the cars will sport a bold 'AUDI' script across the front, signaling a new identity. This isn't just a marketing tweak — these models are being developed in collaboration with SAIC, a major Chinese automaker, allowing for faster development times and designs tailored specifically for Chinese consumers. The first AUDI model will be a production version of the AUDI E concept, which debuted last year. While official details remain under wraps, the concept hinted at a sleek, wagon-like EV with a tech-heavy interior, minimal physical buttons, and an expansive screen layout. With a wheelbase longer than the A6 Avant, it's expected to offer generous interior space while maintaining a stylish, sporty design. The E concept showcased impressive specs: a 100-kWh battery offering up to 435 miles (700 km) of range under China's optimistic CLTC test cycle. It also featured an 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging, allowing the battery to gain 230 miles (370 km) of range in just 10 minutes. Dual motors delivered 764 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-62 mph sprint in just 3.6 seconds. If these numbers carry over to the production version, AUDI could make a strong impression in China's growing high-performance EV market. The upcoming debut isn't just about one car — AUDI has bigger plans. Over the next two years, the sub-brand will introduce at least two more models: an SUV and a Sportback. These vehicles will share the same Advanced Digitized Platform co-developed with SAIC, benefiting from a streamlined production process that has reportedly reduced development times by 30%. Audi is no stranger to offering exclusive models in the region. The brand already sells long-wheelbase versions of its sedans and SUVs tailored to Chinese buyers' preferences. However, AUDI represents a more significant step, as it's an entirely separate sub-brand designed to cater to younger, tech-savvy consumers in an increasingly competitive EV market. The launch of AUDI comes at a time when Audi's overall sales in China have dipped, falling 10.9% in 2024 to 653,016 units. With domestic brands like BYD dominating the EV space, legacy automakers must evolve quickly to keep up. The success of AUDI will depend on how well it resonates with Chinese buyers, but if the concept's specs are anything to go by, it could give VW Group a much-needed boost in the market.
