Audi's 'four rings' logo represents the four companies that used to make up Germany's Auto Union. The ring on the far left represents Audi itself while the other three represent DKW, Horch, and Wanderer in that order from left to right. This is the emblem affixed to all of the company's cars ranging from the flagship Audi R8 supercar to the sub-compact A3. Audi made minor changes to the logo and its font in 2009 during its 100th birthday but in 2020, the four rings will be receiving its biggest change ever.

Changing a logo that's been around since 1932 is a serious business but in the current wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Audi wanted to make a gesture urging people to practice social distancing. On the company's Turkish Instagram account, Audi posted a video showing its four rings logo splitting apart into separate circles. At the end of the video, it shows the message "mesafeyi koruyalim," which translates to "let's keep the distance."

The short video comes with the caption, "Let's not leave our home, keep the distance, stay healthy, support each other. #FlattenTheCurve #Audi." This gesture is a reference to the practice of social distancing, keeping yourself away from others in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. COVID-19 is a highly infectious strain of coronavirus that can be particularly harmful to the elderly or to those with auto-immune issues. By limiting contact with others, we can help prevent the spread to high-risk individuals.

Obviously, Audi won't be changing its logo on any vehicles but we wouldn't be surprised to see this new logo appear on some of the company's other social media profiles. Automakers are doing their part to help prevent the spread of the virus by shutting down manufacturing plants. Dealerships in the US will remain open to help keep cars serviced.