AUDI AS WE KNOW IT IS 75 YEARS OLD - TIME TO CELEBRATE THE MILESTONE.
For over 75 years, Audi’s story has been intricately woven into the fabric of Ingolstadt, and this year, Audi Tradition is pulling out all the stops to commemorate this milestone. The celebration kicks off with a lecture at the Audi museum mobile, delving into the company's rich history, followed by a vibrant event on Josef-Strobl-Platz, where Audi first called home. On Sunday, September 8th, attendees will get a rare glimpse at the earliest vehicles produced at Ingolstadt, alongside a variety of activities that honour Audi’s enduring legacy. The festivities begin the night before with the Night of the Museums at the Audi Museum mobile, where visitors can enjoy an evening of dynamic entertainment. The Audi Big Band will set the tone with an electrifying mix of Latin, soul, funk, and pop, while guided tours, including the special exhibition “Form vollendet,” provide a deep dive into Audi's automotive artistry. September 3, 1949, marks a pivotal moment in Audi’s history, signalling the rebirth of the brand in West Germany with the founding of Auto Union GmbH in Ingolstadt. This move came in the wake of World War II, as the company transitioned from its roots in Saxony to its new home in Bavaria. Production began in the repurposed buildings of the Ingolstadt Fort, a testament to the resilience and vision that would define Audi’s future. The first vehicle to roll off the line, the DKW F 89 Schnelllaster, embodied the spirit of post-war reconstruction—a simple, yet dependable van designed to meet the needs of a recovering nation. Powered by a front-wheel-drive system and a two-cylinder two-stroke engine, the Schnelllaster was the cornerstone of Auto Union’s early success in Ingolstadt. The following November, Auto Union introduced the DKW RT 125, a motorcycle that played a crucial role in making mobility accessible in post-war Germany. Originally developed in 1939, the RT 125 was revived in Ingolstadt as the RT 125 W, distinguishing it as a product of West Germany. Despite the passage of time, the RT 125 remained faithful to its pre-war design, featuring a trapezoidal fork, rubber-band suspension, and a 4.75 PS two-stroke engine. For nearly a decade, the production sites in downtown Ingolstadt and Düsseldorf became the heart of Auto Union GmbH until the company’s expansion led to the establishment of a new facility on Ettinger Strasse.
This new plant marked a significant shift, with the DKW Junior—a compact car designed for affordability—signalling Auto Union’s long-term commitment to passenger car production. To mark the 75th anniversary of Auto Union’s founding, Audi is hosting a series of events that blend history, music, and celebration. On the exact anniversary of the company’s founding, a special lecture titled “75 Years of the Ingolstadt Site – the Founding of Auto Union GmbH” will be held at the Audi Museum mobile. Audi Tradition’s historian, Ralf Friese, will guide attendees through the company’s early struggles and successes, from its modest beginnings in Ingolstadt to its eventual move to the new facility on Ettinger Strasse. This lecture, scheduled for Tuesday, September 3rd at 6 PM, is open to the public with prior registration. The celebrations continue on Saturday, September 7th, with the Night of the Museums at the Audi Museum mobile. From 6 PM to midnight, visitors can immerse themselves in a world of music, performance, and automotive history. The Audi Big Band will keep the energy high, while the Circus of Fantasy adds a touch of magic with breathtaking acrobatics. Special guided tours will highlight the legendary Auto Union Silver Arrows and the ongoing exhibition “Form vollendet,” which explores the evolution of aerodynamics in car design from 1945 to the present. Young visitors can enjoy a go-kart course on the Audi Piazza, weather permitting, with alternative indoor activities planned if the weather doesn't cooperate. The grand finale takes place on Sunday, September 8th, with a full-day celebration at Josef-Strobl-Platz in Ingolstadt. Under the banner “75 Years of Auto Union GmbH at the Ingolstadt Site,” the event promises a day of entertainment and nostalgia. Guests can take rides in a classic Schnelllaster, embark on city tours that trace Auto Union’s footsteps through Ingolstadt, and marvel at a display of vintage vehicles from the company’s early days. The Bavarian Ensemble of the Audi Philharmonic Wind Orchestra, celebrating its own 60-year legacy, will provide the soundtrack to the day with a mix of traditional Bavarian-Bohemian music, modern brass band tunes, and pop hits. It’s a celebration of history, innovation, and the unwavering spirit that has driven Audi to become the automotive powerhouse it is today.
Take a look at the YouTube video from the folks at Polara YT as they take a look at the expansive and storied history of the iconic Audi brand's beginnings at Ingolstadt: Behind Audi's Rings: The History of Auto Union | Polara YT
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