Safety Is Nothing New For Audi, Company Has Crash-Tested Cars For 75 Years

Volvo has a reputation as the most safety-obsessed automaker, but Audi is making its own claim to that title.

The company says it's been crash-testing cars for 75 years. It all began when engineers at predecessor company DKW rolled an F7 down a hill to see how it held up.

That first test was actually more publicity stunt than data-gathering exercise. The DKW F7 was pushed down a ramp in front of spectators with a camera rolling (no pun intended). The engineers wanted to show the assembled crowd that their car could take a bit of punishment.

The F7 rolled multiple times but, when it finally came to a stop, the engine was still running and the body was "virtually undamaged," according to Audi.