Renault - a history
As one of the best known manufacturers in the UK and maker of one of our favourite cars, the Clio, Renault has reached iconic status in the motoring world. Its cars are loved by drivers young and old thanks to the far-reaching appeal of its designs. They are practical and stylish, as well as extremely reliable.
Whilst each model has an individual identity, what they all have in common is the history which brought the Renault company to where it is today. duck2water Car Insurance Services, a UK provider of Renault car insurance, will now take you on a brief journey through the history of this impressive motor company.
Renault's development
The three Renault brothers, Louis, Marcel and Fernand, got together with a couple of other friends to create Société Renault Frères way back in 1898. By the end of the year, they had sold their first car, a diminutive Voiturette 1CV. This was a success which proved to be a sign of things to come.
In the early 1900s they quickly realised that the sport of motor racing was an excellent way of bringing their cars into the public eye. Even as the newcomer to the racing circuit, Renault did enjoy some notable success in this area, but tragically Marcel was killed in a race in 1903. Whilst Louis did stop driving in events as a result, Renault continued to create cars with a formidable racing presence.
These solid foundations gave Renault a basis for helping production in the First World War. It was best known for its aeroplane engines, but it also made plenty of other items for the war, such as ammunition and military vehicles. After 1918, the company expanded its motor car production to include models in a whole range of shapes and sizes, from roadsters to closed cars. This period also saw Renault first make its move on the UK market.
However, its success in the 20s and 30s was relatively short lived, as the Second World War saw Renault factories working for Nazi Germany. These were claimed back by the temporary French government in 1944 and Louis was sent to prison, where he died not long after. The Renault company was nationalised, a move which proved to be a very good one, and the firm was soon producing its most successful cars yet: the 4CV and the Fregate.
Whilst Renault was busy producing hundreds of thousands of 4CVs for private use, it was also using the model to win some of the most renowned races around, including the Mille Miglia and the Monte Carlo rally. The 60s saw production start on the Renault 4 and the Renault 8, two models which, like the 4CV, hit the spot both with the public and in the motor racing world. These were followed by the successful Renault 5, which was launched in 1972.
The 70s and 80s also saw Renault collaborate with a number of other motor manufacturers. Its partnership with the American Motors Corporation saw its presence in North America grow substantially, whilst European collaborations with Volvo and Peugeot strengthened the capabilities of engines used in many of the Renault models. The company also helped market Jeeps for the European market.
Following a substantial restructuring in the late 80s, Renault created a number of models which were to be very successful in the 90s: the Clio, the Laguna, the Espace and, slightly later, the Megane. All four were, and still are, common sights on UK roads, as well as across France and other parts of Europe.
During the late 90s, Renault reverted back to being a private company so that it could maximise its growth in different markets, particularly those in Eastern Europe and South America. The passing of the millennium saw the company redesign some of its popular models, such as the Megane, and adding a raft of safety features to its cars. It now holds the impressive honour of being the car manufacturer with the most models which have been awarded 5* Euro NCAP ratings.
Cheap Renault car insurance
Whether you have a Clio, an Espace, a Megane or another Renault model, you will no doubt be after a great Renault car insurance policy that will give you all the protection you need in the event of an accident.
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