History of Renault

Renault S.A., founded 25 February 1899, is a French automobile manufacturer known for its involvement in motor racing. The company was first known as Société Renault Frères, which was founded by Louis Renault, his brothers Marcel and Fernand, and friends Thomas Evert and Julian Wyer. Louis, an aspiring and already practiced engineer, handled design and production, and his brothers managed the company.

The Voiturette, which went to a family friend, was the first Renault ever sold. Renault decided that publicity via motor racing would gain the company recognition and sales. Success was almost instant after participating in city-to-city races in Switzerland. All three brothers actively raced, but Louis hung up his hat after Marcel died in a race in 1903– Renault S.A., however, continued to participate in races. His other brother would leave the company three years later for health reasons, and Louis Renault took full control of the company thereafter.

Renault’s Development

Renault quickly became know for its creativity and ambition. In fact, they were the first company to produce sedans. Renault also produced buses, taxis, and commercial cargo vehicles, and during World War I they started producing ammunition, airplanes, and other military vehicles– such as the Renault FT-17 tank, which was both influential and revolutionary. Louis Renault attempted to broaden the scope of his company in the period between World War I and II, but struggled to compete. Renault refocused and conservatively produced a wide-range of vehicle sizes, from the small, popular “people’s cars” to larger commercial vehicles.

During World War II Louis Renault worked under the Nazis while car production was forbidden. After France’s liberation he was, consequently, placed under arrest and died in prison, possibly of murder. Renault factories then became a public industry, and the company found itself growing in popularity. The company continued to race– winning Mille Miglia, Le Mans 24 hours, and the Monte Carlo rally– to support its new rear-engine 4CV model. In the ’60s they released the wildly popular Renault 4 and 8 models and continued to thrive.

In March 1999 Renault and Nissan Motor Co, Ltd formed an alliance, the first of its kind. Renault has a 1% stake in Nissan, and Nissan has non-voting 95% stake in Renault. The Renault-Nissan alliance has been fruitful for both companies and they hold 9.8% of the world’s automobile market, with Renault remaining the brand leader in Europe. Renault S.A. continues to thrive in the auto manufacturing industry in the 21st century through innovation, both technical and logistical.