The History and Meaning of the Audi Logo

The Audi logo carries itself with the same understated sophistication as the vehicles it represents. Its four interlocking rings represent the four companies that originally merged to form Audi as we know it today. Learn about the brand’s history with Audi Van Nuys.

The 1960s: A Turning Point for the Rings

In 1964, Volkswagen took ownership of the company behind the four interlocking rings, charting a more deliberate course for the brand. Five years later, that company merged with NSU Motorenwerke AG to form Audi NSU Auto Union AG, and the rings endured beneath the new name.

A Simpler Name, the Same Rings

The company officially became Audi AG in 1985, bringing its corporate identity in line with the Audi name already used on its vehicles. By then, models such as the Audi 80 and Audi 100 had helped establish the modern lineup, while quattro® all-wheel drive had arrived earlier in the decade. The logo evolved alongside the company, eventually shedding surrounding wordmarks and other elements to put greater emphasis on the four rings themselves.

The Rings Go Digital

As Audi expanded from traditional automobiles into increasingly connected and electrified vehicles, its visual identity changed with it. Audi introduced a flat, two-dimensional rendering of the rings in 2016 that translated more cleanly between vehicle badges and digital screens. Another update followed in 2022, replacing the chrome appearance with a sharper black-and-white design and thin border. The updated rings were paired with Audi Type, the brand’s dedicated typeface, for a more consistent identity across vehicles and digital platforms.

Discover the Legacy Behind the Audi Logo

You can see the philosophy behind the logo carried through every new Audi model on our lot, from the emblem on the grille to the technology inside the cabin. Stop by Audi Van Nuys in Sherman Oaks, CA, and our team will gladly walk you through the modern story behind the rings and the latest vehicles carrying it forward.