August Horch- The German automobile pioneer behind the strong foundation of Audi
Presently, Audi is the name counted in some of the oldest automobile firms in Germany. The logo showing four rings shows the integration of four car firms. These all firms set up the foundation of today’s Audi. However, to set up the Audi one personality is most important that is August Horch. He built the first car and started the revolutionary era of the car industry in Germany. As well, he is the most important person behind exploring the business globally. Today, Audi is a big name in the car industry. Surely, August Horch made it possible with his immense efforts and extraordinary vision.
About Founder
Audi is one of the popular names in the vehicle industry. One will amaze to know that it set up by a blacksmith. Yes, the founder of Audi, A. Horch’s first trade was as a blacksmith. Thereafter, he studied engineering and set up a revolutionary Automobile firm Audi. He is one of the well-reputed German engineers and pioneers in this industry.
His contribution to this field is noticeable and inspirational for many entrepreneurs. Due to his work, his native place Winningen has a street named for his Audi cars. Let’s see the life journey of A. Horch.
Early life
He was born on 12 Oct 1868 in Winningen, Prussia. Horch attended Mittweida Technical College for studying engineering. Before that, he was in the business of Blacksmith. After completing the education, he started working in the shipbuilding sector. However, he got the chance to learn about automobiles during his job at Karl Benz. August worked there for about three years and learned all skills required to build any car. In 1899, he set up the firm A. Horch & Co. In Germany. So that he can design the cars as per his ideas.
Building the base of the firm
In 1901, August built the first Horch Automobile firm. After that, he shifted the firm in Reichenbach and later on to Zwickau. But in 1909 he had to leave the firm due to some disputes and clashes among partners. However, he decided to start a new firm to compete in Zwickau’s car market.
He wanted to set the second firm’s name as Horch. But he had already used this name for his first one. Thus, due to the trademark issue, he selected Hark. Later on, it became Audi.
Role of A. Horch to make Audi as an international brand
He not only build the foundation of the firm but also worked to explore its business. August’s extraordinary policies and the visionary helped to popularize it in the global market. During those days, he was involved in the Austrian Alpine Runs(AAR). This network helped the firm to rise as an international brand.
Later life
In 1920, August withdrew from the firm and went to Berlin. Since then he decided to work as an automotive expert and to helped the rising car firms. Unknowingly he inspired so many entrepreneurs with his autobiography, I built Cars.
As well, he worked as one of the board members of the Auto Union. Horch was also the Braunschweig University of Technology’s professor in his last days. A. Horch rests in peace on 3rd February 1951.
The up-downs in the business of Audi
Not all businesses grow steadily. Most of them faced several up-downs throughout the evolution of the firm. The same happened in the case of Audi. After August withdrew from the business everything was ok for some time.
However, the company’s market declined rapidly which remained about 0.1% till 1938. In fact, the name of Audi completely disappeared for more than two decades. Fortunately, the firm again managed to come back to the market and overcome the obstacles.
Later success of the firm
In the long history of Audi, it gave birth to many unique designs, best performances, and unique features. The firm witnessed all technology evolutions.
As well, it successfully adapted all the changes and design the new models as per the demand of the era. Yet, it never compromised the quality. Audi is based on the strong foundation and core values, which helped it to rise impeccably. Today, Audi is a big name in the car industry. No doubt, Horch made it possible with his efforts and extraordinary vision.
Jayshri is an Electronics Engineer, but her passion towards writing made her to be in this field. Apart from content writing, she loves reading, writing and surfing on various topics. In her free time, she likes to watch TV series and news. Sherlock Holmes is her all time favorite show. Jayshri loves cooking various Indian-western dishes.
