August Horch Biography: Wife, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Children, Obituary

August Horch was a German engineer and automobile pioneer best known as the founder of Audi.

Born in Winningen, Rhenish Prussia, he trained as a blacksmith before studying engineering.

Horch began his career with Karl Benz and later established A. Horch & Cie in 1899.

Following disputes, he left the company and founded Audi in 1910, choosing the name as the Latin translation of “Horch,” meaning “listen.”

Renowned for his contributions to automotive innovation, Horch played a key role in shaping modern car manufacturing and served on the board of Auto Union until his death.

Profile

• Full Name: August Horch
• Stage Name: August Horch
• Born: October 12 1868
• Death date: Died: February 3, 1951
• Age: 82 years old
• Birthplace: Winningen, Germany
• Nationality: German
• Occupation: German engineer and automobile pioneer
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Christian Karl Zahn and Johanna Louise Jahreis
• Siblings: Richard
• Spouse: Anneliese Schultz (m. 1897–1946), Elsa Kolmar (m.1946—1951)
• Children: 2
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life And Education

August Horch was born on October 12, 1868, in Winningen, Rhenish Prussia (present-day Germany), to Christian Karl Zahn and Johanna Louise Jahreis. He was one of five children, with a younger brother named Richard. Raised in a modest household, Horch showed an early interest in mechanics and engineering.

He pursued his education at the Hochschule Mittweida (Mittweida Technical College), earning a mechanical engineering and engine construction degree in 1890. This solid academic foundation enabled him to embark on a career that would shape the future of the automotive industry. Horch was of German ethnicity and practised Christianity.

Career

August Horch began his career after studying engineering at Hochschule Mittweida, initially working in shipbuilding. In 1896, he joined Benz & Cie, then the world’s largest automobile manufacturer, where he quickly advanced to plant manager for motor vehicle construction.

Driven by a vision for more robust and innovative automobiles, Horch left Benz in 1899 to establish A. Horch & Cie in Cologne, focusing on high-quality luxury vehicles. By 1901, the first Horch automobile was produced, and the company eventually settled in Zwickau, earning a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship despite early financial challenges.

Internal shareholder disagreements led to Horch’s departure from the company in 1909. Undeterred, he founded Audi Automobilwerke GmbH in 1910, cleverly naming the new venture after the Latin translation of “Horch,” meaning “to listen.”

Audi quickly gained acclaim, particularly after winning the prestigious Alpine Tour in 1914, solidifying its place as a leading automotive brand. Although Horch stepped back from direct involvement in manufacturing after World War I, he continued contributing to the industry through various roles and authored his autobiography in 1937.

In his later years, during economic difficulties, Horch served as an honorary executive on the board of Auto Union, a conglomerate formed by Audi and other manufacturers. He remained engaged with the automotive world until he died in 1951.

August Horch’s legacy endures through Audi, now a symbol of innovation and luxury under the Volkswagen Group. His pioneering contributions to automotive engineering and relentless pursuit of excellence have impacted the industry.

Social Media

August Horch does not have any social media accounts.  

Personal Life

August Horch was married twice. His first wife, Anneliese, passed away without them having biological children, though they adopted two children in 1928.

On July 9, 1948, he married Elsa Kolmar, his former housekeeper and foster daughter, who had cared for him during Anneliese’s illness. Horch spent his final years in Münchberg with Elsa and their dog, Trixi.

Net Worth

August Horch’s net worth and financial status as Audi’s pioneering engineer and founder are not well-documented. His wealth during his lifetime was likely shaped by the successes and challenges of his automotive ventures. However, specific details about his financial standing remain unknown.