# Auto Union > German automobile manufacturer **Wikidata**: [Q27152](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q27152) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_Union) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/auto-union ## Summary Auto Union was a German automobile manufacturer founded in 1932 through the merger of DKW and Horch, with its headquarters in Chemnitz. It produced notable models like the Auto Union 1000 and contributed to racing success, including the "Silver Arrows" team. The company dissolved in 1969 after being acquired by Audi AG, which later integrated its assets. ## Key Facts - Founded in 1932 through the merger of DKW and Horch - Headquarters in Chemnitz, Germany - Produced models including the Auto Union 1000, DKW F11/F12, and DKW Monza - Dissolved in 1969 after being acquired by Audi AG - Known for its racing success, including the "Silver Arrows" team - Associated with notable racing driver Bernd Rosemeyer - Operated under the name Auto Union AG - Produced military vehicles, such as the Leichter Panzerspähwagen - Competed in the automotive industry alongside brands like Wanderer and Audi ## FAQs - What was Auto Union's primary focus? Auto Union specialized in producing automobiles, including passenger cars and military vehicles, and was known for its racing success. - Which companies merged to form Auto Union? Auto Union was formed by the merger of DKW and Horch in 1932. - What were some of Auto Union's most famous models? Notable models include the Auto Union 1000, DKW F11/F12, and DKW Monza. - How did Auto Union contribute to racing? Auto Union was associated with the "Silver Arrows" racing team and featured notable drivers like Bernd Rosemeyer. - When did Auto Union dissolve? Auto Union dissolved in 1969 after being acquired by Audi AG. - What military vehicles did Auto Union produce? Auto Union produced the Leichter Panzerspähwagen, a scout car family used during World War II. - Where was Auto Union headquartered? Auto Union's headquarters were located in Chemnitz, Germany. - What happened to Auto Union after its dissolution? Audi AG acquired Auto Union in 1969 and integrated its assets. ## Why It Matters Auto Union played a significant role in the German automotive industry, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s. Its merger of DKW and Horch created a strong brand with a focus on both civilian and military vehicles. The company's racing success, including the "Silver Arrows" team, showcased its engineering prowess and contributed to its legacy. Auto Union's dissolution in 1969 marked the end of an era, with Audi AG absorbing its assets and continuing its automotive traditions. The brand's influence persists through its models and racing heritage, making it a notable chapter in German automotive history. ## Notable For - Pioneering the merger of DKW and Horch to form a leading German automaker - Producing the Auto Union 1000, a popular model of its time - Contributing to the "Silver Arrows" racing team and featuring Bernd Rosemeyer - Manufacturing the Leichter Panzerspähwagen, a key military vehicle during WWII - Dissolving in 1969 after being acquired by Audi AG, integrating its assets into the broader automotive industry ## Body ### History Auto Union was founded on June 29, 1932, through the merger of DKW and Horch, two prominent German automobile manufacturers. The merger created a new entity with a strong presence in the automotive industry, particularly in racing. The company's headquarters were located in Chemnitz, Germany. Auto Union dissolved on September 3, 1949, and was later acquired by Audi AG in 1969, which integrated its assets into its operations. ### Models and Production Auto Union produced several notable models, including the Auto Union 1000, DKW F11/F12, DKW Monza, and DKW Schnellaster. These models were known for their engineering and performance, contributing to the brand's reputation. The company also produced military vehicles, such as the Leichter Panzerspähwagen, which were used during World War II. ### Racing and Affiliations Auto Union was associated with the "Silver Arrows" racing team and featured notable racing driver Bernd Rosemeyer. The company's racing success and engineering prowess were significant contributions to its legacy. Auto Union's racing cars, including the Auto Union racing cars, were known for their competitive performance. ### Military Vehicles Auto Union produced the Leichter Panzerspähwagen, a scout car family used during World War II. The 2 cm Flakvierling 38, an anti-aircraft gun family, was also associated with Auto Union's military production. ### Related Companies Auto Union was related to several other companies, including DKW, Horch, Wanderer, and Audi AG. The merger of DKW and Horch formed Auto Union, and Audi AG later acquired Auto Union. Wanderer was another related company, with a history of producing bicycles, motorcycles, and automobiles. ### Locations and Operations Auto Union's operations were primarily based in Chemnitz, Germany, and Ingolstadt, Germany. The company's headquarters were in Chemnitz, and it operated in the German automotive industry. Auto Union's dissolution marked the end of its operations, with Audi AG absorbing its assets. ### Legacy and Influence Auto Union's legacy includes its contributions to the German automotive industry, particularly in racing and military vehicle production. The brand's models and racing heritage continue to be notable in automotive history. Auto Union's dissolution in 1969 and acquisition by Audi AG marked the end of an era, with its assets integrated into the broader automotive industry. ## References 1. 20th Century Press Archives 2. [Source](https://archiv.sachsen.de/archiv/bestand.jsp?oid=09.09&bestandid=31050) 3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 4. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Auto_Union-WMVMD)