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Renault

Automotive/ICE brands  •  Curated by Admin Timeline.sg

Renault history under Nissan Motor Co. / Renault Group / Mitsubishi Alliance. Origin: France. Status: Active. Founded in 1899 by the Renault brothers, Renault became a cornerstone of the French automotive industry, known for innovative engineering, motorsport heritage, and its pivotal role in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

Chronological Storyline (23 Milestones)

Dec 24, 1898 CE

First Renault Voiturette Sold

Louis Renault built his first car, the Voiturette 1CV, featuring a direct-drive gearbox, and sold it to a friend, laying the foundation for the company. #France #Independent #DirectDrive Source — Wikipedia:

Feb 25, 1899 CE

Renault Frères Founded

Louis, Marcel, and Fernand Renault formally established Société Renault Frères to manufacture automobiles after early success with the Voiturette. #France #Independent #DirectDrive Source — Wikipedia:

1899 CE

First Major Racing Victory

Louis and Marcel Renault finished first and second in the Paris-Trouville road race, establishing Renault's early motorsport pedigree. #France #Independent #RoadRacing Source — Wikipedia:

May 31, 1903 CE

Death of Marcel Renault

Marcel Renault died from injuries sustained during the Paris-Madrid race, prompting Louis Renault to withdraw the company from direct racing participation. #France #Independent #RoadRacing Source — Wikipedia:

[Collection Jules Beau. Photographie sportive] : T. 24. Années 1903 et 1904 / Jules Beau : F. 34. [6e Salon, Grand-Palais, 10 - 25 décembre 1903];
[Collection Jules Beau. Photographie sportive] : T. 24. Années 1903 et 1904 / Jules Beau : F. 34. [6e Salon, Grand-Palais, 10 - 25 décembre 1903];
By Jules Beau - [Collection Jules Beau. Photographie sportive] : T. 24. Années 1903 et 1904 / Jules Beau : F. 34. [6e Salon, Grand-Palais, 10 - 25 décembre 1903];, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44821318
1913 CE

Renault Type AX Introduced

The Type AX, a lightweight and affordable car, became a massive success, helping Renault become France's largest car manufacturer by producing over 10,000 units. #France #Independent #Inline4Engine Source — Wikipedia:

1917 CE

Renault FT Tank Debuts

Renault produced the FT-17, a revolutionary light tank with a fully rotating turret, significantly impacting military engineering and the company's industrial scale. #France #Independent #TrackedVehicle Source — Wikipedia:

FT-17 at the Brussels museum of the Army
FT-17 at the Brussels museum of the Army
By Paul Hermans - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53312
Jan 1, 1945 CE

Nationalization of Renault

Following World War II and Louis Renault's death, the French government nationalized the company, creating Régie Nationale des Usines Renault (RNUR). #France #GovernmentOwned #MassProduction Source — Wikipedia:

1946 CE

Renault 4CV Launch

The 4CV, a rear-engine economy car developed secretly during WWII, became a massive post-war success, rivaling the VW Beetle and expanding Renault's export market. #France #GovernmentOwned #RearEngine Source — Wikipedia:

Renault 4CV, Baujahr 1955, Leistung 21 PSlaut Besitzer noch in Originallackierung!
Renault 4CV, Baujahr 1955, Leistung 21 PSlaut Besitzer noch in Originallackierung!
By Berthold Werner - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7553265
Aug 3, 1961 CE

Renault 4 Introduced

The Renault 4 was the first front-wheel-drive family car produced by Renault, becoming an iconic utility vehicle with over eight million units sold. #France #GovernmentOwned #FrontWheelDrive Source — Wikipedia:

A 1984 Renault 4 GTL, for sale by Atelier Automobile in Berlin. This car is painted "Rohseide" (raw silk), a hue that was only available in 1984. About 74,000 km on the odometer when the photo was taken. Original German car with various extra safety kit not always seen in France: some warning lamps, three-point belts for all but the center rear, and headrests in front.
A 1984 Renault 4 GTL, for sale by Atelier Automobile in Berlin. This car is painted "Rohseide" (raw silk), a hue that was only available in 1984. About 74,000 km on the odometer when the photo was taken. Original German car with various extra safety kit not always seen in France: some warning lamps, three-point belts for all but the center rear, and headrests in front.
By Mr.choppers - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62165241
1965 CE

Renault 16 Revolutionizes Market

The Renault 16, the world's first hatchback with a corrugated trunk, introduced practical family motoring and won the 1966 European Car of the Year. #France #GovernmentOwned #Hatchback Source — Wikipedia:

1972 Renault 16 TL 1.6 Front Taken at the 2021 Festival Of The Unexceptional at Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire
1972 Renault 16 TL 1.6 Front Taken at the 2021 Festival Of The Unexceptional at Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire
By Vauxford - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109423435
1977 CE

Renault 5 Turbo Revealed

Originally developed for rally homologation, the Renault 5 Turbo featured a mid-engine layout and turbocharged engine, becoming a rally legend. #France #GovernmentOwned #Turbocharged #WRC Source — Wikipedia:

A 1981 Renault 5 Turbo taken at London Concours 2023.
A 1981 Renault 5 Turbo taken at London Concours 2023.
By MrWalkr - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=151677315
1979 CE

Alliance with American Motors

Renault acquired a controlling stake in American Motors Corporation (AMC) to enter the US market, leading to the production of models like the Renault Alliance. #France #GovernmentOwned #JointVenture Source — Wikipedia:

American Motors logo
American Motors logo
By American Motors Corporation - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20332737
1981 CE

Renault 5 Turbo Wins Monte Carlo

Jean Ragnotti drove the Renault 5 Turbo to victory at the Monte Carlo Rally, cementing the car's legendary status in World Rally Championship history. #France #GovernmentOwned #Turbocharged #WRC Source — Wikipedia:

1984 CE

Renault 25 Flagship Launch

The Renault 25 was introduced as the flagship executive model, featuring aerodynamic design and early electronic systems, aiming to compete in the luxury segment. #France #GovernmentOwned #V6Engine Source — Wikipedia:

51-PGS-8
51-PGS-8
By Niels de Wit from Lunteren, The Netherlands - 1985 Renault 25 GTX, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=174528551
Mar 10, 1987 CE

Chrysler Acquires AMC from Renault

Renault sold its stake in American Motors Corporation to Chrysler, exiting the US manufacturing market after years of financial losses. #France #GovernmentOwned #Divestment Source — Wikipedia:

1992 CE

Williams-Renault Wins F1 Championship

Renault-powered Williams cars won the Formula One Constructors' Championship, marking the beginning of Renault's dominance as an engine supplier in the 1990s. #France #GovernmentOwned #V10Engine #F1 Source — Wikipedia:

Atlassian Williams F1 Team logo.
Atlassian Williams F1 Team logo.
By Atlassian Williams F1 Team - williamsf1.com, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=185556777
Jul 17, 1996 CE

Renault Privatized

The French government sold its majority stake in Renault, ending 51 years of state ownership and paving the way for future corporate alliances. #France #Independent #Privatization Source — Wikipedia:

Mar 27, 1999 CE

Renault-Nissan Alliance Formed

Renault acquired a 36.8% stake in Nissan, forming the Renault-Nissan Alliance, with Carlos Ghosn appointed to lead the turnaround of the Japanese automaker. #France #RenaultNissanMitsubishi #Alliance Source — Wikipedia:

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance logo
Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance logo
By Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi - https://www.alliance-2022.com, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66317707
2002 CE

Renault Megane II Launches

The second-generation Megane, featuring a striking avant-garde hatchback design, became a massive commercial success and won the 2003 European Car of the Year. #France #RenaultNissanMitsubishi #Hatchback Source — Wikipedia:

2017 Renault Megane Dynamique S NAV DC 1.5 Front Taken in Leamington Spa
2017 Renault Megane Dynamique S NAV DC 1.5 Front Taken in Leamington Spa
By Vauxford - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=67350798
2005 CE

Renault F1 Team Constructors Champion

Renault won its first Formula One Constructors' Championship as a full team, with Fernando Alonso winning the Drivers' title, repeating the feat in 2006. #France #RenaultNissanMitsubishi #V10Engine #F1 Source — Wikipedia:

Oct 7, 2008 CE

Acquisition of Dacia and Samsung

Renault took full control of Romanian automaker Dacia and acquired a majority stake in Samsung Motors, expanding its global footprint. #France #RenaultNissanMitsubishi #Acquisition Source — Wikipedia:

Dacia stand at Geneva International Motor Show 2024 at Palexpo, Le Grand-Saconnex
Dacia stand at Geneva International Motor Show 2024 at Palexpo, Le Grand-Saconnex
By Matti Blume - Own work, CC BY-SA, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=145950711
Dec 14, 2016 CE

Mitsubishi Joins Alliance

Renault-Nissan acquired a 34% controlling stake in Mitsubishi Motors, creating the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, one of the world's largest automotive groups. #France #RenaultNissanMitsubishi #Alliance Source — Wikipedia:

2024 CE

Renault 5 E-Tech Revival

Renault reintroduced the iconic 5 as an electric vehicle, signaling the brand's transition towards electrification while retaining its heritage design. #France #RenaultNissanMitsubishi #ElectricVehicle Source — Wikipedia: