125. Audi

Headquarters: Herndon, Virginia, USA
Bought By: Volkswagen Group
Headquarters: Ingolstadt, Germany

When Americans hear the name “Audi,” they immediately think of sleek, luxurious vehicles that effortlessly marry technology and design. The iconic four rings of the Audi logo symbolize the 1932 merger of four automobile manufacturers in Germany. Established in Zwickau by August Horch in 1909, Audi’s name was derived from a Latin translation of “horch,” meaning “listen.”

Audi ©Panther Media GmbH /Alamy

The brand is famed for its “Vorsprung durch Technik” slogan, translating to “Progress through Technology.” Although its cars now cruise U.S. highways and grace American driveways, Audi remains deeply rooted in its German heritage, showcasing a blend of meticulous engineering and innovative design.