Audi is an automotive brand founded in 1909 in Zwickau, Germany. Today, the company operates as a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. The brand name is derived from the Latin translation of the surname of its founder, August Horch. Audi develops not only internal combustion engine models but also electric vehicles, with a particular focus on all-wheel drive systems and battery technologies.
Audi Logo (Official Website of Audi)
Historical Development
In 1932, Audi merged with the brands Horch, DKW, and Wanderer to form Auto Union AG. This merger laid the foundation for the four-ring logo used today. In 1965, the brand was acquired by the Volkswagen Group, and in 1980, it introduced its all-wheel drive technology under the name “quattro.” This system strengthened the brand's technical profile, especially through its use in rally racing. From the 1990s onward, Audi expanded its product range and positioned itself in the premium segment with the A and Q series.
Product Range
Passenger Cars
A1, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8
Sports and Coupe Models
TT, S5, RS5, S7, RS7, R8
SUV and Crossover Models
Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8
Electric versions:
Q4 e-tron, Q8 e-tron
Electric and Hybrid Models (e-tron Series)
e-tron, Q4 e-tron, Q8 e-tron, e-tron GT
A6 e-tron (under development)
Plug-in Hybrid Models (TFSI e)
A3 TFSI e, A6 TFSI e, Q5 TFSI e, Q7 TFSI e
Electric Vehicle Technology and Platforms
Audi develops its electric vehicles on two distinct platforms. The MEB platform of the Volkswagen Group is used for compact models such as the Q4 e-tron. For upper-segment models, Audi uses the PPE (Premium Platform Electric) architecture developed jointly with Porsche. Battery management systems, energy efficiency optimization, and digital software architectures form the technical foundation of Audi’s electric vehicle strategy. As of 2025, all new models are planned to have electric versions, and by 2033, a complete phase-out of internal combustion engines is targeted.
Global Production Network and Financial Performance
In addition to its plants in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm (Germany), Audi produces vehicles in Belgium (Brussels), Hungary (Győr), China (Changchun), and Mexico (San José Chiapa). The Brussels plant has been restructured exclusively for full electric vehicle production. As of 2024, Audi produced approximately 1.6 million vehicles and generated €53.2 billion in sales revenue. Operating profit was reported at €7.4 billion, with electric vehicles accounting for 18% of total revenue.
Market Performance and International Distribution
As of 2024, Audi achieved sales growth in the European market, particularly in countries such as Norway, Germany, and the Netherlands, with its e-tron series. In China, local production through the FAW-Audi partnership helped increase market share. In the U.S. market, SUV and performance-oriented S/RS models constituted a significant portion of total sales. The sales volume of electric models continues to represent a growing share of the brand’s product portfolio.
Strategic Goals and Future Planning
According to Audi’s strategic plan titled “Vorsprung 2030,” the company aims for the majority of its product portfolio to consist of electric models by 2030. It also plans to achieve carbon-neutral production processes and supply chains by 2050. Audi continues its R&D investments in areas such as software-based vehicle functions, advanced driver assistance systems, and digital user interactions.
