Last Updated:

2024-04-30 02:26:30

Renault

French multinational automobile manufacturer

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French multinational automobile manufacturer

Groupe Renault, established in 1899, produces cars, vans, trucks, tractors, tanks, buses, aircraft, and more. It is the ninth largest automaker globally. Headquartered near Paris, Renault includes subsidiaries Alpine and Automobile Dacia. The company has joint ventures in Turkey and Iran. Renault Trucks is now part of Volvo, while Renault Agriculture is owned by CLAAS. Renault is renowned for its involvement in motor sports and contributions to computer graphics.

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1898-12-24

Birth of Renault

Louis Renault sold his first car, the Renault Voiturette 1CV, on Christmas Eve of 1898, a year before the official founding of the Renault Corporation in 1899.

1899-02-25

Founding of Renault Corporation

The Renault corporation was established on 25 February 1899 as Société Renault Frères by Louis Renault and his brothers Marcel and Fernand. Louis, an aspiring engineer, designed and built the first Renault car, the Renault Voiturette 1CV, which was sold in 1898.

1902

Marcel Renault wins Rallye Paris-Vienna

Marcel Renault emerged victorious in the 1902 Rallye Paris-Vienna, showcasing Renault's early involvement and success in rallying. Tragically, Marcel Renault lost his life during the 1903 Paris-Madrid rally.

1903

Marcel Renault dies in a car accident

Marcel Renault, one of the Renault brothers and a racer for the company, tragically passed away in a car accident during the 1903 Paris-Madrid race.

1905

Renault AG1 Cars Sold in Volume to Société des Automobiles de Place

Renault made a major volume sale in 1905 when Société des Automobiles de Place purchased Renault AG1 cars to establish a fleet of taxis. This marked a milestone in Renault's sales and presence in the automotive market.

1906

Ferenc Szisz Wins First Grand Prix in Renault AK 90CV

In 1906, Ferenc Szisz won the first Grand Prix motor racing event driving a Renault AK 90CV. This victory helped solidify Renault's reputation in the racing world.

1907

Renault Taxis Used in World War I

Renault vehicles, particularly the Renault AG1 cars, were utilized by the French military to transport troops during World War I. These vehicles gained fame as the 'Taxi de la Marne' for their crucial role in military transportation.

1908

Renault becomes the largest car manufacturer in France

By 1908, Renault had become the largest car manufacturer in France, producing around 3,500 units that year.

1913

Renault Adopts Mass Production Techniques and Taylorism

In 1913, Renault introduced mass production techniques and Taylorism in its manufacturing process. This innovation helped increase efficiency and productivity.

1914

Renault's Role in World War I with 'Taxis de la Marne'

Renault played a significant role in World War I, notably through its 'Taxis de la Marne'. These taxis were used to transport French troops to the front lines during the Battle of the Marne.

1918

Renault Produces Agricultural and Industrial Machinery

After World War I, Renault expanded its production to include agricultural and industrial machinery. This diversification helped Renault adapt to post-war market demands.

1925

Change of Bonnet Badge Shape

In 1925, the bonnet badge of pre-First World War cars changed from circular to the familiar diamond shape.

1927

Introduction of six-cylinder Grand Renault models NM, PI and PZ

In 1927, Renault introduced the six-cylinder Grand Renault models NM, PI and PZ, which featured a new three spring rear suspension that improved stability, especially for vehicles exceeding 90 mph.

1928

Upgrade of Renault's 'Stella' line

In 1928, Renault upgraded its 'Stella' line with the introduction of the Vivastella, featuring enhanced interior fittings and a small star above the front hood logo. This upgrade set a new standard for Renault cars.

1929

Introduction of straight 8-cylinder Reinastella

In 1929, Renault introduced the straight 8-cylinder Reinastella, which later expanded into a range culminating in the 1939 Suprastella. This model was notable for its luxurious features and design.

1930

Placement of Radiator at the Front of Cars

In 1930, all car models started placing the radiator at the front, moving away from the previous practice of positioning it behind the engine.

1931

Introduction of diesel engines for Renault's commercial vehicles

In 1931, Renault introduced diesel engines for its commercial vehicles, marking a significant advancement in the company's engine technology. This move aimed to enhance the efficiency and performance of Renault's commercial fleet.

1936

Renault affected by Great Depression economic crisis

In 1936, Renault was impacted by the economic crisis of the Great Depression, leading to significant changes within the company's structure and operations.

1942-03-03

Bombing of Renault's Île Seguin plant by British Royal Air Force

On March 3, 1942, the British Royal Air Force launched a massive bombing raid on Renault's Île Seguin plant in Paris, causing extensive damage and civilian casualties.

1943

German army attacks Renault factory in Billancourt

The Renault factory in Billancourt faced an attack by the German army in 1943, impacting the company's operations during World War II.

1944-09-22

Louis Renault Accused of Collaboration

In the aftermath of World War II, the provisional government accused Louis Renault of collaborating with the Germans. Despite the frenzy of accusations, Renault presented himself to a judge and was subsequently arrested on September 23, 1944.

1944-09-27

Requisition of Renault factories by the French government

In September 1944, the French government, under de Gaulle's presidency, decided to requisition the Renault factories due to the chaotic situation and political unrest at the Billancourt plant.

1944-10-24

Death of Louis Renault

Louis Renault, incarcerated at Fresnes prison while awaiting trial, passed away on October 24, 1944, under unclear circumstances. His death marked the end of a tumultuous chapter in Renault's history.

1945-01-01

Expropriation of Renault Company

By de Gaulle's decree on January 1, 1945, the Renault company was posthumously expropriated from Louis Renault. This marked a significant turning point in the company's ownership and management.

1946

Launch of Renault 4CV

The rear engine 4CV, developed by Louis Renault during the war and launched in 1946 under Pierre Lefaucheux, proved to be a successful model for Renault. Its sales success ensured production until 1961.

1955

Formation of Société Anonyme de Véhicules Industriels et d'Equipements Mécaniques (Saviem)

In 1955, Renault merged two small French heavy vehicle manufacturers, Somua and Latil, with its own truck and bus division to create Société Anonyme de Véhicules Industriels et d'Equipements Mécaniques (Saviem).

1956

Étoile Filante showcased

The Étoile Filante, equipped with a gas-turbine engine producing 270bhp at 28,000rpm, was designed to be the fastest car on the planet. It set a record by reaching an average speed of 191mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats in America.

1961-01

Renault creates the first 'hatchback'

In January 1961, Renault introduced the first 'hatchback' car model, revolutionizing the automotive industry with a new design concept.

1963-12-26

First car with four disc brakes

Renault made history in 1963 by equipping the Renault 8 with four disc brakes, a groundbreaking innovation that significantly improved braking performance for a car of its size.

1965

Renault 16 launched

Renault introduced the R16 in 1965 as a flexible family car, replacing the Renault Fregaté. It was well-received for its comfort-focused interior and practicality, appealing to a wide range of buyers.

1966

Introduction of Renault 16

Renault launched the Renault 16 in 1966, a pioneering hatchback that was more modern and upmarket. It was well-received in the market.

1970

Production of over a million cars in a single year by Renault

In 1970, Renault achieved a significant milestone by producing more than a million cars in a single year, totaling 1,055,803 vehicles.

1971

Debut of Renault 15 and Renault 17 coupes

Renault expanded its lineup in 1971 with the introduction of the Renault 15 and Renault 17 two-door coupes, offering a competitive choice in the market, particularly against the Ford Capri.

1972

Launch of Renault 5

Renault introduced the compact and economical Renault 5 model in January 1972, which proved to be successful and anticipated the 1973 energy crisis.

1973-10-18

Central locking introduced

Renault introduced central locking in 1973 on the Renault 16 TX, making them one of the first manufacturers to offer this feature. The top-of-the-range model also included electric windows and a five-speed transmission.

1976

Renault 5 Alpine Launches in Hot Hatch Market

The Renault 5 Alpine is launched in 1976, becoming one of the pioneering hot hatches. It enters the market alongside the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

1977

Renault Introduces Turbo Engine to Formula One

Renault made history in 1977 by introducing the turbo engine to Formula One with the debut of the Renault RS01 at Silverstone, paving the way for their continued involvement in the sport.

1978

Renault Alpine A442 Wins 24 Hours of Le Mans

In 1978, Renault achieved victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Renault Alpine A442, marking a significant milestone in the company's motorsport history.

1979

Renault Buys Stake in American Motors

Renault acquires a stake in American Motors in 1979, aiming to establish its presence in the American automotive market.

1980

Renault produces over 2 million cars and LCVs

By 1980, Renault had manufactured over 2 million cars and light commercial vehicles, including popular models like Renault 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 30.

1981

Renault Introduces the 9 Four-Door Saloon

The Renault 9, launched in 1981, is a modern four-door saloon designed to maintain interest in saloons amidst the rising popularity of hatchbacks. It wins the European Car of the Year award.

1982

Renault wins Dakar Rally with Renault 20 Turbo 4x4

The Marreau brothers secured victory in the 1982 Dakar Rally driving a Renault 20 Turbo 4x4 prototype. This success highlighted Renault's participation and triumph in cross-country racing events.

1983

Launch of Renault 25

At the end of 1983, Renault introduced the Renault 25 as its top-of-the-range model in the 1980s. The luxury sedan aimed to compete in the upper market segments.

1984-07

Renault introduces the Espace, the first MPV

Renault launched the Espace, the first Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), which initially had slow sales but later became popular in France and the UK due to its practicality and comfort.

1985

Renault launches the Espace

Renault introduces the Espace, Europe's first multi-purpose vehicle, which receives acclaim for its practicality and innovation.

1986-04-09

Government of France rules against Renault privatisation

The French government decides against privatizing Renault, a significant event in the company's history.

1987

Renault's Financial Turnaround

After facing heavy losses, Renault implemented a cost-cutting policy and refocused on its core skills, leading to a successful financial turnaround in 1987.

1988

Renault introduces the 19 model

Renault replaces the 9 and 11 ranges with the 19 model, known for its ride quality, fuel efficiency, and refined diesel engines.

1989

Renault ends imports to the US

Renault ceased importing vehicles to the United States after 1989, signaling the conclusion of its operations in the American market.

1990-05

Launch of Renault Clio

Renault launched the Clio in May 1990, which was the first new model of a generation that replaced numeric identifiers with traditional nameplates. The Clio was voted European Car of the Year and became one of Europe's best-selling cars in the 1990s.

1991

Renault introduces the cabriolet version of the 19

The Renault 19 becomes available as a cabriolet, accompanied by a minor design update for the standard range.

1992-04

Renault launches the Twingo

Renault introduced the Twingo, a compact city car known for its innovative design and practicality.

1993-04

Launch of the original Renault Twingo

The original Renault Twingo was introduced in April 1993 and became popular in Europe until 2007. It revolutionized city driving by demonstrating the practicality of extremely small cars.

1994

Renault and Volvo merger plans

In 1994, Renault and Volvo announced their intention to merge operations, aiming to leverage synergies and strengthen their positions in the automotive industry. However, the merger faced challenges as Volvo shareholders rejected the proposal.

1995

Renault 5 production ends

Production of the Renault 5 concludes after being manufactured in Slovenia since 1990, marking the end of an era for this iconic model.

1996-07

Renault Privatization

The privatization of Renault in July 1996 marked a significant milestone in the company's history, allowing it newfound freedom to make strategic decisions.

1997

Launch of all-new Espace

The all-new Espace was introduced in 1997 with a more upscale image compared to its predecessor, which had been in service for over a decade.

1998

Introduction of second generation Clio

In 1998, Renault launched the second generation Clio with a new body design, positioning it as a competitively-priced European supermini, although its styling was not universally liked.

1999-03-27

Formation of Renault-Nissan Alliance

Renault formed an alliance with Nissan, marking the first partnership between a Japanese and a French company. Renault acquired a 36.8% stake in Nissan, while Nissan took a 15% non-voting stake in Renault, aiming to collaborate and reduce costs.

2000-09-01

Renault acquires Samsung's car division

On September 1, 2000, Renault acquired Samsung's car division in a $560 million deal, initially owning 70% and later increasing its stake to 80.1%. The company was renamed Renault Samsung Motors and most of its production is exported under the Renault badge.

2001

Sale of Renault Véhicules Industriels to Volvo

Renault sold its industrial vehicle division, Renault Véhicules Industriels, to Volvo in 2001, leading to the renaming of the division as Renault Trucks in 2002. The Clio also underwent significant updates to stay competitive in the supermini market.

2002

Benetton Formula One team becomes Renault F1

In 2002, the Benetton Formula One team was rebranded as Renault F1, marking Renault's increased involvement in Formula One racing. Additionally, Renault raised its stake in Nissan to 44.4 percent.

2003-04-24

Opening of Renault Classic Workshops

Renault Classic is a department within Renault that collects, preserves, and exhibits notable vehicles from the company's history. The workshops of Renault Classic were formally opened on April 24, 2003.

2004-10

Renault Identité Typeface

In October 2004, French typeface designer Jean-François Porchez designed the Renault Identité typeface as a replacement for Renault's previous typeface.

2005-06

Renault wins Constructors' and Drivers' titles in F1

Renault achieved success in Formula One by winning both the Constructors' and Drivers' titles in 2005 and 2006 with Fernando Alonso. This highlighted Renault's dominance in the sport during that period.

2005-07

Carlos Ghosn outlines Renault's Formula One strategy

Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of Renault, emphasized the importance of results in Formula One, stating that the sport is an investment when success is achieved. This statement reflected Renault's strategic approach to motorsport.

2006-02

Announcement of Renault Contrat 2009 Plan

Carlos Ghosn announces the Renault Contrat 2009 plan, focusing on increasing car sales, operating margin, and launching the new Laguna model.

2007

Use of Helvetica Neue Condensed

Since 2007, Renault has used Helvetica Neue Condensed in all graphic advertising as part of the Saguez & Partners revamp.

2008-10-07

Renault's Interest in Acquiring Chrysler

On October 7, 2008, a Renault executive expressed interest in acquiring or forming a partnership with Chrysler. Subsequently, on October 11, 2008, it was reported that General Motors, Nissan, and Renault were in discussions with Chrysler's owner Cerberus Capital Management regarding a potential acquisition.

2009

Appointment of Laurens van den Acker

At the end of 2009, Laurens van den Acker replaced Patrick le Quément as the head of Renault's design, introducing the 'cycle of life' concept to Renault's design philosophy.

2010-02

Renault Opens Production Factory in Tangier

In February 2010, Renault inaugurated a new production factory near Tangier, Morocco, with a focus on environmentally friendly practices and increased output capacity, showcasing the company's commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

2010-04

Renault-Nissan Alliance with Daimler

In April 2010, Renault-Nissan announced an alliance with Daimler, where Renault supplied Mercedes-Benz with a new turbo-diesel engine and received a four-cylinder petrol engine in return, leading to collaborative projects like the Smart replacement based on the Twingo.

2012-03

Renault ZOE Launched

In 2012, Renault introduced their first 100% electric car, the Renault ZOE, which initially had a driving range of 130-150 miles with a 22kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Nowadays, it can achieve up to 245 miles on a single charge.

2012-12

Renault Factory Establishment in Algeria

In December 2012, Algeria's National Investment Fund (FNI), the Société Nationale de Véhicules Industriels (SNVI), and Renault signed an agreement to establish a factory near the city of Oran, Algeria, with the aim of manufacturing Symbol units from 2014 onwards. The production output was estimated at 25,000 vehicles.

2013-09

Renault Brand Launch in Indonesia

In September 2013, Renault launched its brand in Indonesia, aiming to become one of the top European brands in the country by 2016. The model range included the Duster, Koleos, Mégane RS, Clio, and Captur.

2014-02

Renault unveils Next Two autonomous vehicle prototype

Renault revealed the Next Two autonomous vehicle prototype, based on the Zoe model, as part of their plans to introduce autonomous vehicle technology by 2020.

2015-04

Renault 'Passion for Life' Campaign

In April 2015, Renault introduced new designs for their brand logo and typeface as part of the 'Passion for life' campaign, aiming to differentiate the company from the product brand.

2016

Renault reacquires Enstone-based team

Renault bought back the Enstone-based team in 2016, rebranding it as Renault. This move signaled Renault's return to owning and managing a Formula One team.

2017-01-13

Renault Emissions Cheating Investigation

On Friday, 13 January 2017, Renault shares fell as the Paris prosecutor initiated an investigation into possible exhaust emissions cheating. Renault recalled 15,000 cars for emission testing and denied foul play, despite accusations of manipulating NOx pollution measurements.

2018-03-20

Renault EZ-GO Autonomous Vehicle Unveiled

In 2018, Renault unveiled the EZ-GO, an autonomous vehicle specifically designed to operate as a taxi in modern, low-emission city centers.

2019-01

Jean-Dominique Senard Appointed Chairman of Renault

In January 2019, following Ghosn's resignation, Jean-Dominique Senard was appointed as the chairman of Renault, while Thierry Bolloré became the CEO.

2019-05

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Proposed Merger with Renault

In May 2019, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles proposed a merger with Renault, but the proposal was later retracted.

2020-05

Renault Announces Cost-Cutting Plan Due to COVID-19

In May 2020, Renault announced a cost-cutting plan to eliminate 15,000 jobs globally, about 10% of its workforce, in response to declining sales and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

2021-02-15

Renault Launches SUV Kiger in India

On 15 February 2021, Renault introduced the SUV Kiger in India, expanding its product offerings in the market.

2022-03-21

Renault Resumed Production in Russia

On 21 March 2022, Renault resumed production at the Renault Russia car plant near Moscow, amidst criticism for being slow to divest or scale back operations in Russia following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

2023-01

Renault Transfers Stake in Nissan to French Trust

In January 2023, Renault revealed intentions to transfer a significant stake in Nissan to a French trust, altering the shareholding and voting rights between the two companies.

2026

Renault invests in Verkor for EV batteries and gigafactory

Renault Group invested in Verkor, a start-up developing EV batteries and planning to build a gigafactory in France by 2026.

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Renault