Used Renault Cars for Sale

Renault is a French car manufacturer which produces a diverse range of products, from cars to buses. The company is renowned for the quirkiness of its designs and its innovations in the field of safety. Recent years have seen it develop a range of SUVs as well as cheap electric cars like the affordable Renault Zoe. You can read more Renault reviews here.

Tracing Renault's history takes us back to 1899 when Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault along with their friend Thomas Evert began Societe Renault Freres. With Louis, a young engineer, handling design and production while the others dealt with company management.

The brothers designed and sold their first model in December of 1898. The brothers then decided to build models for the racing circuit where their cars proved to be very successful and competent. Unfortunately Marcel Renault was killed in a racing accident in 1903 and other brother, Fernand Renault, was forced to retire for health reasons in 1906. Louis then accepted full control of the company as the last remaining brother.

Renault’s innovation led to many firsts for the company and their cars were held in high esteem by the public. The company developed and patented the first turbo charger and began manufacturing cars, taxis and buses.

During World War I the company began manufacturing arms, as well as producing airplanes and tanks to help support the war effort. Renault soon became the leading manufacturer of airplane engines and Louis Renault himself was publicly honoured for his contribution to the war effort.

The years following the First World War proved to be leaner times for Louis and the Renault Company. As the Second World War rolled around Louis once again took centre stage developing arms and war vehicles. Unfortunately he was collaborating with Nazi Germany by crafting outlawed vehicles and was arrested. Louis Renault died in prison in 1944. His assets were then seized by the French government.

Under the direction of the new state-run leadership the company flourished once again and even enjoyed success on the raceway. In 1996, despite its success, the company was privatized for a second time in order to promote its growth. Modern times have seen the company offer some innovative designs despite the unfortunate political mishaps that have surrounded the company’s past.