Audi has made a name for itself worldwide by creating innovative luxury vehicles that stand out on the Pasadena roads. As a household name and one of the world’s most celebrated German auto manufacturers, it’s no surprise that drivers considering their next new Audi model wonder: Who owns Audi now? And who makes Audi vehicles? Thanks to becoming a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, Audi designers and engineers can stick to their German roots, crafting more quality sedans and SUVs for the Thousand Oaks streets. Learn more about who makes Audi models and the brand’s history with this guide from Rusnak Auto Group.
The Audi brand started in 1899 when August Horch started his automotive company A. Horch & Cie. While the company didn’t last due to financial disagreements, Horch went on to found a new company with the experience he’d gained at Horch & Cie. He called it “Audi”, which in Latin means “to listen“, a play on Horch’s name which, in German, translates to “hark” or “hear”.
After the Audi brand made a name for itself by winning the Austrian Alpine Runs from 1911 to 1914, interest in Audi vehicles grew. In 1932, Audi merged with three other automakers to form the Auto Union, dropping the Audi name for a few decades to collaboratively perfect consumer and race-ready vehicles. In 1964, Volkswagen acquired a 50% holding in the business, bringing the Audi brand back to the market and introducing it to the United States for the 1970 model year. The Audi brand has been a mainstay on the Westlake Village roads ever since, with its four-ringed logo a reminder of the brand’s commitment to collaboration and innovation.
As part of the Volkswagen Group, a European-based company that holds other foreign-made models such as Bentley, Lamborghini, and Porsche, the majority of the Audi manufacturing and design plants stick close to home. That said, the brand has expanded its reach since its introduction to the U.S. market, allowing it to grow to new countries and continents. You can find Audi plants across the globe in places such as:
Now that you know more about who owns Audi and where the vehicles are manufactured, you’re ready to start shopping for your new or certified pre-owned Audi at Rusnak Auto Group! Contact us online or at to set up a test drive of your favorite model in Pasadena, and our team will get you behind the wheel as soon as possible.
