Renault: A History
One of the most prominent names in the automotive industry for many years now, and a major player in the world of motor racing, the Renault Corporation has been producing cars for well over a hundred years. The company, founded in 1899 under the name Société Renault Frères, is as much a part of the history of the French republic as any of the famous landmarks that dot Paris. Their first car was sold on Christmas Eve 1898 by Louis Renault (who, along with his brothers Marcel and Fernand made up the 'frères' of the company name) to a friend of the family, but it is fair to say that their operation has expanded somewhat since that day. The history of the company is one made up of some interesting stories.
Knowing the publicity that was available for their vehicles if they participated in motor racing, both Louis and Marcel chose to race the cars which bore their family name in city-to-city road races, and saw the family and company name grow exponentially. In 1903 however, tragedy struck during the course of the Paris to Madrid road race when Marcel was involved in an accident and killed. Louis Renault chose at this point to end his racing career, haunted by the death of his brother and no doubt aware that he could be next. The family did however continue to produce cars for racing and marking down another little note in history when the Hungarian driver Ferenc Szisz won the first ever Grand Prix event.
Renault's impact in war time was every bit as telling and as prominent as their impact on the world of motor racing. During the First World War, the company provided ammunition, vehicles (including tanks) and airplanes for the Allied forces. Louis Renault, now in sole control of the company after Fernand's retirement through ill health, was recognised for his contribution by the triumphant Allies. He would later refuse to provide tanks for Nazi Germany after the occupation of France in 1940, but would be arrested upon the liberation of his country for collaborating after the German occupying forces took control of his factories. It is thought that he was murdered as an autopsy showed him to have a broken neck.
The Renault brand that we recognise today passed at that time from a private family enterprise to a nationalised government asset, and today it is the country of France that is recognised in connection with the car, more so than the Renault family ' ironically, given the past works of the brothers Renault. Renault cars have historically ' with the exception of the Dauphine, launched in the 1950s ' sold well worldwide, but been struck by the curse of many a French industry, the strike. In 1996 the company was privatised due to its state ownership leaving it prone to such action. The government of France retains a healthy, though not controlling share in the company, which in recent years has announced a partnership with Nissan and an intention to invest in the American automobile company Chrysler.
