In 1909 Horch being the main designer in the company constructed the first 6-cylinder engine model – the first in Audi history but occurred far from perfectness and put the company on the verge of bankruptcy. The situation exasperated Horch’s partners so that they insisted and hurried to expel Horch from the company that had been mainly established due to his efforts. Horch settled not far and set up new company with the same name.
This second enterprise was forging so well that Horch’s former partners decided to bring an action against new Horch Company in order to deprive it its name – “Horch”. The court decreed that new Horch could not bear this name more. But August Horch did not get confused at the court decision and renamed its company according to Latin variant of “horch” meaning – “audi” (“listen”).
Essentially this is way Audi history as a make and famous brand was commenced.
The first Audi model issued under name—Audi-A—appeared in 1910. This marked the fundamental point in Audi history. Next year was constructed Audi-B three of which Horch exposed for Auto Alpenwart Race 1911 of 2500 km length.
1912 marked in Audi history by the most famous Audi-C model that experienced serious examination in the conditions of Alpine races and reached respective results so that Audi-C model was subsequently called “Alpengizer” or “Alps Conqueror”.
After WW II Audi and other Auto Union members were nationalized and reformed into “Car Manufacturing Popular Enterprises Union” subdivision.
In 1949 The Auto Union was reformed due to Mercedes-Benz shares involvement. In 1950 Daimler-Benz concern purchased main Auto Union stock but sold it soon to Volkswagen launching new crucial turn in Audi history.
After in 1969 Volkswagen purchased Neckarsulmer Automobilwerke factory (NSU) and this fact affected Audi history as well. Thus Audi gained the name of Audi NSU Auto Union but 16 years after the company name was restored into Audi AG.
1970 year is notable In Audi history for launching scalable cars exporting to USA. First this concerned 90 Super model in sedan and estate versions added by new Audi 100. But since 1973 Audi put on export Audi 80 which unlike in European market had an estate modification. In fact, that model was an analogue of Volkswagen Passat Variant with extended comfort features package).