# August Horch

> German automobile engineer (1868–1951)

**Wikidata**: [Q58035](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q58035)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/August_Horch)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/august-horch

## Summary
August Horch was a German automobile engineer (1868–1951) who founded the Horch automobile company in 1909, laying the groundwork for what would later become Audi AG. His innovations in automotive engineering and design established key technologies that shaped the modern luxury car industry.

## Biography
- Born: 1868 (exact date and place not specified)
- Nationality: German
- Education: Not specified
- Known for: Founding the Horch automobile company and pioneering automotive engineering
- Employer(s): August Horch & Cie (founded by him), later part of Audi AG
- Field(s): Automotive engineering

## Contributions
- Founded **August Horch & Cie** in 1909, which later evolved into **Audi AG** (1910) and became a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group.
- Developed early automotive innovations, including the **Horch 853**, one of the first cars with a four-cylinder engine.
- Contributed to the development of the **quattro all-wheel-drive system**, which became a defining feature of Audi’s performance vehicles.
- Played a foundational role in the German automotive industry, influencing the design and engineering of luxury and high-performance cars.

## FAQs
**What was August Horch’s most significant contribution to the automotive industry?**
Horch founded the Horch automobile company in 1909, which later became Audi AG. His innovations, including the Horch 853 and the quattro all-wheel-drive system, set the stage for Audi’s reputation as a leader in luxury and performance vehicles.

**Where did August Horch work?**
Horch founded **August Horch & Cie** in 1909, which later became **Audi AG** and was absorbed by the Volkswagen Group. His company was a key player in the early development of the German automotive industry.

**What vehicles did August Horch design?**
Horch designed the **Horch 853**, one of the first cars with a four-cylinder engine, and contributed to the development of the **quattro all-wheel-drive system**, which became a hallmark of Audi’s performance models.

## Why They Matter
August Horch’s work laid the foundation for Audi AG and the modern luxury car industry. His innovations in automotive engineering, including the Horch 853 and the quattro system, set standards that Audi still follows today. His company’s evolution into Audi AG and its eventual integration into the Volkswagen Group demonstrates his lasting impact on the global automotive landscape.

## Notable For
- Founder of **August Horch & Cie**, which became **Audi AG** and a key subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group.
- Pioneer of early automotive innovations, including the **Horch 853** and the **quattro all-wheel-drive system**.
- Contributed to the development of luxury and high-performance vehicles, influencing the design and engineering of modern cars.

## Body
### Early Life and Career
August Horch was born in 1868 and began his career in the automotive industry, founding **August Horch & Cie** in 1909. His company quickly gained recognition for its innovative engineering and design, producing vehicles like the **Horch 853**, one of the first cars with a four-cylinder engine.

### Founding of Audi AG
In 1910, Horch’s company was renamed **Audi AG**, reflecting the Latin translation of his surname. The brand evolved over time, incorporating technologies like the **quattro all-wheel-drive system**, which became a defining feature of Audi’s performance vehicles.

### Influence on the Automotive Industry
Horch’s contributions to automotive engineering laid the groundwork for Audi’s reputation as a leader in luxury and high-performance cars. His company’s integration into the Volkswagen Group in the mid-20th century further cemented his legacy in the industry.

### Legacy
August Horch’s innovations and leadership in the automotive industry continue to influence modern car design and engineering. His work at Audi AG and the Volkswagen Group remains a cornerstone of the global automotive landscape.

## References

1. International Standard Name Identifier
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Sächsische Biografie