Audi, DKW, Horch, and Wanderer were once separate automobile manufacturers, all based in Saxony. However, to jointly confront the Great Depression that followed World War I, they formed Auto Union in 1932. The interlocking of four rings, symbolizing the cooperation of these four companies, became the origin of Audi's current symbol, the "Four Rings." Within Auto Union, a strategy was adopted where DKW specialized in motorcycles and small cars, Wanderer in mid-sized cars, Audi in premium mid-sized cars, and Horch in luxury cars. With the end of World War II, Saxony, where the headquarters were located, was occupied, and Auto Union inevitably dissolved. Although a new Auto Union was established in Ingolstadt, Bavaria, it began with a significant disadvantage, lacking factory equipment compared to other manufacturers. Later, in 1964, it came under the umbrella of Volkswagen, and in 1965, passenger cars under the Audi brand were launched. In 1969, it merged with NSU, based in Neckarsulm (known for developing the "Wankel engine"), becoming Audi NSU Auto Union, and from 1985 onwards, it has continued as Audi to the present day. Advanced technologies such as the four-wheel-drive system "quattro," dynamic performance backed by motorsport activities, elegant design, and high-quality finishes are driving Audi's popularity.