Audi
Although urban legend would suggest Volvo beat them to it, Audi was in fact the first car maker to crash test their vehicles. Although the processes and scant regard for health and safety left a lot to be desired back in the day. Audi’s engineers literally rolled the cars down the hill in front of gathered spectators.
Times change however, and Audi has come a very long way in a relatively short space of time, courtesy of its integral involvement with parent company, VW. Now seen as one of the world’s most luxurious - yet accessible - brands, the Ingolstadt company enjoys a degree of autonomy from VW. And is a much sought-after commodity in its own right.
Historically, Audi first came into existence in 1910; its name registered by German engineer, August Horch. Horch had created his own automotive company six years earlier, and this concern - together with Audi, DKW and Wanderer - all decided to merge into the singular company in 1932.
Forming Auto Union. Audi’s four ring logo representing the four individual automakers of yore.