Brand: Audi
Country of Origin: Germany 🇩🇪
Founded: 1909
Founder: August Horch
Industry: Automotive, Electric Mobility & Premium Vehicles
Company: AUDI AG
Headquarters: Ingolstadt, Germany
Chairman of the Board of Management: Gernot Döllner
Parent Group: Volkswagen Group
Official Website: Audi
Featured By: ASIA Best Brands — Global Brands
About Audi
Audi is a German premium automotive brand known for progressive design, engineering, performance and advanced vehicle technology.
Founded in 1909 by August Horch, Audi today operates in more than 100 markets worldwide and forms part of Volkswagen Group’s Progressive Brand Group together with Bentley, Lamborghini and Ducati.
From August Horch to the Four Rings
Audi’s story began in 1909, when automotive pioneer August Horch established a new car company after leaving his earlier business.
Unable to reuse the Horch name, he adopted its Latin translation: Audi, meaning “listen.” The first Audi-branded automobile was delivered in 1910.
The famous four rings arrived in 1932, representing the merger of Audi, DKW, Horch and Wanderer into Auto Union AG.
quattro and Audi’s Performance Identity
History of Audi quattro. 1980 to Today. Image Source: Enthusiast Motor Insurance.
One of Audi’s most important innovations came in 1980 with the introduction of the Audi quattro.
Its permanent all-wheel-drive system transformed the brand’s performance image and later became closely associated with Audi road cars and motorsport.
The technology helped Audi achieve major World Rally Championship success during the early 1980s and remains an important part of the brand’s identity today.
Expanding Electric Mobility
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly important to Audi’s product strategy.
The Premium Platform Electric (PPE), developed jointly with Porsche, provides the technical foundation for models including the Audi Q6 e-tron and Audi A6 e-tron.
The platform uses an 800-volt electrical architecture, advanced battery technology and the E³ electronic architecture to support high charging performance, digital features and over-the-air updates.
In 2025, Audi delivered a record 223,032 fully electric vehicles worldwide, representing growth of 36% year over year.
Digital Technology Inside the Vehicle
Audi Q6 e-tron – E3 1.2 electronic architecture and over-the-air updates. Image Source: Audi Technology Portal.
Audi is also transforming the software and electronics behind its vehicles.
The E³ 1.2 electronic architecture used in PPE-based models integrates infotainment, connectivity, driver-assistance functions and digital services through a more centralised vehicle-computing structure.
It supports features such as over-the-air updates, third-party apps and new digital functions throughout the vehicle lifecycle.
This allows Audi to increasingly treat software as part of the premium ownership experience rather than simply an additional vehicle feature.
China as a Strategic Market
China remains one of Audi’s most important global markets.
Audi began cooperating with FAW in 1988 and today works with both FAW and SAIC. The company manufactures vehicles across several Chinese locations and operates local research and development activities focused on connectivity, advanced driver assistance and digital experiences.
In 2025, the Audi brand delivered 617,514 vehicles in China, including Hong Kong.
Audi has also created the China-exclusive AUDI sister brand with SAIC. Its first production model, the electric AUDI E5 Sportback, began deliveries in 2025, followed by an expanding China-specific product portfolio.
Formula 1 and a New Motorsport Era
Motorsport has long been part of Audi’s technology story, from quattro rally cars to endurance racing.
In 2026, Audi entered Formula 1 with the Audi Revolut F1 Team, using the programme as both a global sporting platform and a technology-development environment.
Audi has stated that its long-term goal is to build a team capable of competing for Formula 1 world championships by 2030.
The move connects Audi’s historic motorsport identity with its current effort to renew the brand around performance, technology and international visibility.
Global Scale and Business Performance
The Audi brand delivered 1,623,551 vehicles worldwide in 2025.
Audi Group — which includes Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Ducati — generated:
- €65.5 billion in revenue
- €3.4 billion in operating profit
- 5.1% operating margin
- €3.4 billion in net cash flow
These financial figures represent the Audi Group, not the Audi brand alone.
For the first half of 2026, Audi Group reported:
- €29.2 billion in revenue
- €1.12 billion in operating profit
- 3.8% operating margin
- 727,245 Audi-brand vehicle deliveries
Why Audi Is Featured on ASIA Best Brands
Audi demonstrates how a historic automotive brand can continue evolving through engineering and design.
From the four rings and quattro all-wheel drive to electric platforms, digital vehicle architecture and Formula 1, Audi has repeatedly used technology to strengthen its premium identity.
Its deep presence in China and wider international markets also connects the brand closely with Asia’s rapidly changing premium automotive landscape.
By combining design, performance, electrification and technological innovation, Audi remains one of the world’s most influential premium automotive brands featured on ASIA Best Brands.
Official Website:
Audi Official Website
Category: Automotive | Premium Vehicles | Electric Mobility
Tags: Audi, AUDI AG, quattro, Audi e-tron, Electric Vehicles, Premium Cars, Formula 1, Automotive Technology, China, ASIA Best Brands
Sources
1. Audi — Company Overview
Official information covering Audi’s global business, market presence and current structure.
Audi at a Glance
2. Audi — Company History
Official history covering August Horch, the Audi name and the development of the company.
Audi Company History
3. Audi — 2025 Financial Results
Official figures covering Audi Group revenue, operating profit and Audi-brand deliveries.
Audi FY2025 Results
4. Audi — H1 2026 Results
Latest official financial and delivery figures for the first half of 2026.
Audi H1 2026 Results
5. Audi — Premium Platform Electric
Official information covering PPE, electric mobility and the E³ electronic architecture.
Audi Premium Platform Electric
6. Audi — China Operations
Official information covering Audi’s partnerships, manufacturing and R&D activities in China.
Audi in China
7. Audi — Formula 1
Official information covering Audi’s 2026 Formula 1 programme.
Audi Formula 1 Team
8. Audi — quattro History
Official information covering the development and motorsport impact of quattro all-wheel drive.
Audi quattro History