Groupe Renault is a French manufacturer, producing cars and vans. It is headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt. more
Renault has subsidiaries: Automobile Dacia (Romania), Renault Samsung Motors (South Korea), RCI Banque (automotive financing), Renault Retail Group (automotive distribution) and Motrio (automotive parts). It also owns stakes in Nissan (Japan), AvtoVAZ (Russia) and Daimler AG (Germany).
Renault logo is a silver diamond, which was first used in 1925. It was changed several times. The last modifications were made in 2007, when a yellow background was added with the aim to make the logo look more dynamic on company’s advertisements and posters.
Renault was established in 1899 by Louis Renault and his brothers Marcel and Fernand. Renault Voiturette 1CV was the first car of the brand, released in 1898. In 1903, Renault started to produce its own engines. In 1905, Renault AG1 cars were bought by Societe des Automobiles de Place to create a fleet of taxis. By 1908, the marquee became the largest carmaker in the country. Before the wars, Renault also produced buses and commercial vehicles.
In 1965, Renault 16, the first hatchback in the world, was presented. In 1970, Renault produced more than a million cars in a single year for the first time in its history. In 1981, the company introduced Renault 9, which became the car of the year. Later, such models of the brand as Renault Clio, Renault Megane and Renault Scenic also got this title. In 1985, Renault began to produce the first European minivan, Renault Espace.
In 1999, Renault bought Romanian automaker Dacia and shares in Nissan. In 2008, it bought 25% of AvtoVAZ shares and in 2012 Renault-Nissan alliance gained control over 67,13 % of its stakes.
Renault cars also take part in rallying and motorsport. It won Le Mans 24 Hours, Formula 1, World Rally Championship and European Rally Championship.