The Audi story
Audi's history begins with August Horch, who founded his first car company in 1899 and Audi in Zwickau in 1909. Audi is the Latin form of his surname, which means "listen" in German. In 1932 Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer merged to form Auto Union, which is why the Audi logo has four rings.
What makes Audi powerful
Audi's "Vorsprung durch Technik" (progress through technology) promise and quattro all-wheel drive give it a clear identity. Its success in rallying and at Le Mans built its engineering credibility. Models such as the A4, Q5 and e-tron range made it one of the three main German premium brands.
Audi today
Audi AG is based in Ingolstadt and part of the Volkswagen Group. Gernot Döllner has been chief executive since 2023. Audi entered Formula 1 in 2026 with its own works team.
What comes next for Audi
Audi's road ahead is about renewing its model range, growing its electric line-up and building its Formula 1 programme.
Why Audi ranks #56
Brand Positioning & Recall (78.0) and Product, Innovation & Delivery (70.0) carry Audi's Power Score of 69.32.
Sustainability, Governance & ESG at 62.0. What would move it: Published, measurable sustainability targets, stronger governance disclosure and third-party ESG ratings.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
13 Automotive & Mobility brands are in the Europe 100. Audi is #7 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Audi in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Audi ranks #56 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 69.32 out of 100.
When was Audi founded and who founded it?
Audi was founded in 1909. Founder(s): August Horch.
What is Audi's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Audi's lowest pillar is Sustainability, Governance & ESG at 62.0 out of 100.
Who leads Audi today?
Gernot Döllner, CEO. The brand is owned by Volkswagen AG.
Where is Audi headquartered?
Audi is based in Ingolstadt, Germany. Its country of origin is Germany.
What is Audi's revenue?
€65.5bn Audi Group revenue (FY2025), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Audi?
The four rings stand for the four companies, Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer, that merged into Auto Union in 1932.
Key facts
| Brand | Audi |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | Volkswagen AG |
| Headquarters | Ingolstadt, Germany |
| Founded | 1909 |
| Founder(s) | August Horch |
| Leadership | Gernot Döllner, CEO |
| Latest revenue | €65.5bn Audi Group revenue (FY2025) Source |
| Sector | Automotive & Mobility |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Signature fact | The four rings stand for the four companies, Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer, that merged into Auto Union in 1932. |
| Official website | audi.com |
Audi is ranked #56 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 69.32).