Renault

Renault began as a workshop in Boulogne-Billancourt when 21-year-old Louis Renault built his first Voiturette in late 1898 and won the Paris-Rambouillet-Paris race on February 24, 1899. That victory led to production of the Renault Type A, the first car sold as a finished product rather than a kit, and established Renault as a pioneer in automotive manufacturing. By 1905, Renault was Europe’s largest carmaker, introducing innovations such as the first direct-drive gearbox and the now-standard universal-joint drive shaft. During World War I, Renault expanded into military vehicles and aircraft engines, cementing its reputation for engineering versatility. In the postwar era, Renault launched the 4CV in 1946, marking its first foray into mass-market economy cars, and later disrupted the market again with the Renault 4 in 1961. The 1970s saw the R5 redefine the hot-hatch segment, and in the 1980s Renault’s safety breakthroughs, including the first turbocharged Formula 1 engine, showcased its performance credentials. Under its current Renaulution plan, Renault is focusing on electric mobility with the E-TECH hybrid powertrain and the all-electric Megane E-TECH, alongside modular CMF-EV architecture. Today’s lineup spans affordable city cars, cross-segment SUVs, and light commercial vehicles, all designed to balance sustainable technology with accessible pricing.