Image copyright Ian Roman/Audi MedCup.
by Sabina Mollart-Rogerson
Audi was officially formed on the 16th of July 1909 in Saxony by German automotive pioneer August Horch, setting up a factory in Zwickau. Horch’s name was already in use by the eponymous motor company he had just left arrived at the name of the new company by translating his name, which means "hark!", "listen!", into Latin: Audi.
The continuing tradition of technical innovation has been one of the company’s strengths. Hoch was the first in Germany to use cast aluminium for his cars' engines and gearbox housings, a cardan shaft served as the power transmission element, and the gearwheels were of high-strength steel. Technical advances were of course the key to motor sports successes. A Horch car won the 1906 Herkomer Run, the world's most arduous long-distance race. Audi won the Austrian Alpine rallies in 1912, 1913 and 1914.
The marque’s iconic four rings emblem was adopted in 1932 signifying the union of four brands Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer to form Auto Union GmbH. The production plant in Saxony was dismantled by occupying Soviet forces but the company was effectively re-located to Bavaria where a new company was formed in Ingolsdadt, building under the four rings logo.
After the Second World War, Auto Union AG's production plant in Saxony was expropriated and dismantled by the occupying Soviet forces.
Audi have been associated with world class sport for many years joining with the MedCup Circuit last season as one of the company’s flagship sponsorships:
Lothar Korn, Head of Marketing Communications, AUDI AG explains: “Audi’s commitment in international top-class sport has a long and successful tradition in the history of our company. Therefore, it is repeatedly a focal point of the celebrations held on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Audi brand this year. Sailing has a high priority for us in this context. With its combination of high-tech materials, sporting competitions at the highest international level and total commitment to teamwork sailing is a perfect fit for Audi. The Audi MedCup Circuit in particular offers an exciting platform for fans and participants alike – with spectacular top-class sport on water and a thrilling event along the coast.”
Ignacio Triay, one of the founding directors of the Audi MedCup Circuit and joins today in celebrating Audi’s birthday: “Having the support of a great brand like Audi with such experience of so many years on the market, the technology they have and how they always invest high technology, to have them invest as a partner on the MedCup is a reason to be very proud for us on the Audi MedCup Circuit, so happy birthday Audi and here’s to another 100 successful years for their company.”
Audi MedCup
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