Editor’s Note
This article explores the origins of Audi’s iconic four-ring logo, delving into its design history and the story behind its creation.

German luxury car manufacturer Audi is famous worldwide for its precise engineering, advanced technology, and splendid design. Audi’s iconic symbol, the four-ring logo, represents the 1932 merger of four founding companies. Let’s find out who designed this famous logo and how much was charged for its creation.

Founded by August Horch in 1909, Audi was established following a dispute with his original company ‘Horch’. ‘Horch’ means ‘listen’ in German. At its founding, it was changed to the Latin translation ‘Audi’. Over the years, Audi has been recognized for its advanced engineering. In 1932, another historic turning point came in Audi’s development when it merged with three other major German car manufacturers, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer, to form Auto Union AG.

The Audi car logo was created in 1932 to symbolize the coming together of the four founding companies: Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer. Each ring represented one company. This logo became a symbol of the company’s strength and unity. This logo was first used by Auto Union AG. Initially, the separate logos of the four founding companies were displayed inside each ring. Over time, this design was simplified further.

In the 1990s, graphic designer Kurt Weidemann and design firms like Strichpunkt and KMS Team helped update the logo. By 2016, Audi took another step forward by presenting the logo in a flat, two-dimensional version for modern applications. Interestingly, there is no specific information about the cost or commission fee associated with the creation of the Audi logo. Regarding its designers, design forms like Kurt Weidemann and the Strichpunkt and KMS Team have helped refine the logo over the years.
The Audi logo with four interlocking rings remains a symbol of quality, technology, and luxury. There have been many improvements in Audi’s journey so far, but its core message still reflects the unity and strength of those four companies.