For over 120 years, France has been a dominant force in the global automotive market, and no name is more synonymous with French automotive excellence than Renault. The story begins with Louis Renault, who in 1898 accepted a bold challenge to drive his A-class Voiturette up the steep Rue Lepic Street in Montmartre, Paris. This daring feat earned him his first dozen car orders and launched what would become one of the world’s most iconic automotive brands.
Louis Renault: The Visionary Behind the Brand
Early Life and Innovation
Born in February 1877 to Alfred and Louise Renault, Louis was the fifth child in a prosperous family. From childhood, he displayed an exceptional talent for mechanics and engineering. After completing his education and military service, Louis pursued a bachelor’s degree while nurturing his passion for automotive innovation.
At age twenty, Louis acquired a three-wheeled De Dion-Bouton with a 0.5 horsepower gasoline engine. His mechanical genius led him to transform this vehicle by adding a gearbox and a fourth wheel. By 1898, he had assembled his first complete automobile, and in 1899, he patented his revolutionary gearbox design.
The Birth of Renault Frères
On February 25, 1899, Louis and his brothers Marcel and Fernand officially established Renault Frères (Renault Brothers). The company’s structure leveraged each brother’s strengths:
- Fernand: Managed administrative operations
- Marcel: Oversaw commercial activities and sales
- Louis: Dedicated himself entirely to design and engineering
Their first creation, the Model A, featured a De Dion engine with 1.75 horsepower and quickly gained market success.
Tragedy and Triumph
The company faced devastating losses when Marcel died in a racing accident in 1903, followed by Fernand’s death from health complications in 1909. Despite these personal tragedies, Louis persevered, and the company continued to flourish under his leadership.
Rapid Expansion and Innovation (1900-1920)
The early 20th century saw explosive growth for Renault:
- 1906: Introduced the company’s first bus at the Berlin Motor Show
- 1913: Production reached approximately 1,000 cars monthly with over 5,000 employees
- WWI Era: Diversified into aircraft engines, medical vehicles, buses, and military equipment
Louis Renault’s innovative spirit led to numerous groundbreaking patents, including:
- Quick-release spark plugs
- Tilt steering column
- Pneumatic starter
- Folding seats
- Hydraulic shock absorbers
- The FT-17 tank (remained in service through WWII)
The Luxury Era: Post-WWI Success
After World War I, Renault successfully launched several luxury models that defined automotive elegance:
- Reinastella: Featured a powerful seven-liter engine
- Nervastella: Enclosed model accommodating five to seven passengers
- Vivastella: Distinguished by elegant wheel caps covering the rear wheels
Reinastella
Nervastella
Vivastella
The Controversial End: WWII and Louis Renault’s Death
World War II brought devastating consequences for Louis Renault. In 1940, Nazi-controlled Daimler-Benz took over management of the Renault concern, relegating the 63-year-old Louis to a powerless figurehead position. In 1942, Allied bombing destroyed 80% of Renault’s production facilities, devastating Louis both financially and emotionally.
After France’s liberation, Louis was arrested and accused of collaboration with the Nazis, despite having no real authority during the occupation. He endured brutal treatment in prison and was transferred to a hospital with severe injuries, including broken kidneys and skull fractures. Louis Renault died in October 1944 under tragic circumstances.
The French government nationalized Renault’s assets three months after his death. Louis was never officially rehabilitated, though his son Jean-Louis received modest compensation in 1967 without restoration of inheritance rights. Ironically, in 1919, Louis Renault had been recognized as France’s foremost industrialist—a talented inventor and successful businessman whose legacy was tarnished by false accusations.
Renault’s Post-War Revival and Growth (1946-1990)
Reconstruction and Nationalization (1946-1960)
Under state ownership, Renault embarked on an ambitious reconstruction program:
- 1946: Production reached 8,500 vehicles, primarily Juvaquatres with hydraulic brakes and shock absorbers
- 1949: Factory reconstruction completed
- 1954: Produced 500,000 4CV models and reached one million vehicles since nationalization
- 1954: Launched the Dauphine model; Pierre Dreyfus became company director following Fernand Picard’s fatal accident
Innovation and Market Leadership (1960-1970)
The 1960s marked a period of remarkable innovation and expansion:
- 1958: Opened new engine factory; launched the front-wheel-drive Renault 4, which became a “people’s car” with over 8 million units produced
- 1965: Introduced the Renault 16, pioneering the modern hatchback design with its 1.5-liter engine and practical, comfortable interior for the French middle class
- 1967: Established global presence with assembly plants on every continent
- 1969: Assembled over one million vehicles with 500,000+ exports; unveiled the spacious Renault 12 at Paris Motor Show
Global Partnerships and the Renault 12
The Renault 12 proved exceptionally successful internationally:
- Sold as the Dacia in Romania
- Marketed as the Corcel in Brazil
During the 1960s-70s, Renault formed strategic partnerships with Peugeot, Volvo, and American Motors Corporation. The Renault 9, produced in the USA as the Alliance in 1982, earned the prestigious “Car of the Year” award.
The Clio Era (1990s)
The 1990s began with the launch of the iconic Clio model, which dominated French sales for years. Key achievements included:
- 1990: Clio production begins
- 1991: Clio wins “Car of the Year”; Renault Ligne named “Truck of the Year”; Renault FR1 titled “Bus of the Year”; Raymond Levy recognized as “President of the Year”
- 1991: Renault 19 Cabriolet becomes top-selling convertible
- 1992: Launched Renault Twingo and Renault Safrane
- 1995: Debuted the Megane model
- 1998: Celebrated company centennial with new Clio generation; showcased Zo project with Europe’s first gasoline direct injection engine
Renault in the 21st Century: Safety, Technology, and Global Success
Safety Leadership and Awards
Renault established itself as a safety pioneer in the automotive industry:
- 2001: Renault Laguna II became the first vehicle worldwide to achieve a five-star EuroNCAP safety rating
- 2003: Renault Megane II won “Car of the Year”; Patrick le Quement named “Designer of the Year”
- EuroNCAP recognized the Megane II, Vel Satis, and Espace IV as the market’s safest vehicles
Modern Renault: Global Bestsellers
Today’s Renault lineup combines cutting-edge technology with practical versatility. Models like the Renault Logan and Renault Duster have earned “world car” status as European bestsellers, while luxury all-wheel-drive vehicles have expanded the brand’s global appeal.
Why Choose Renault? Key Advantages
Modern drivers choose Renault for several compelling reasons:
High tech
Cost
Universality
Reputation
1. Advanced Technology and Engineering
Every Renault vehicle represents the pinnacle of modern automotive technology. The company’s commitment to innovation ensures each model features cutting-edge engineering, resulting in powerful, reliable, and sophisticated vehicles that meet contemporary driving demands.
2. Exceptional Value and Affordability
Renault consistently delivers superior value compared to competitors in similar vehicle classes. The brand’s pricing strategy makes premium features and reliable performance accessible to a broader range of drivers without compromising quality.
3. Versatile Model Range
Recognizing that every driver has unique needs, Renault offers an extensive lineup covering diverse requirements:
- Compact city cars
- Family sedans and hatchbacks
- Rugged SUVs and crossovers
- Electric and hybrid vehicles
- Performance-oriented sports models
4. Proven Reputation and Reliability
With over 120 years of automotive excellence, Renault’s reputation is built on millions of satisfied customers worldwide. The brand’s longevity and continued success demonstrate an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction that few manufacturers can match.
Driving Your Renault: Important Documentation
Whether you drive a safe and reliable Renault Laguna or any other model from the lineup, proper documentation is essential. All drivers must possess a valid driver’s license, and an international driving permit is highly recommended for those traveling abroad. You can easily obtain an international driver’s license through our website, ensuring you’re prepared for driving anywhere in the world.
Published December 14, 2018 • 7m to read
