A French Revolution in the History of the Automobile

It all started with a bet. In 1898, when the automobile concept was still in its infancy, Frenchman Louis Renault tried to convince his friends that his idea of using a cardan shaft to transmit the engine's power to the wheels was more efficient than the chain system used in motorcycles and bicycles. . Louis and his invention would have to be faster than a car with a chain drive up Rue Lepic, in the Parisian neighborhood of Montmatre. The victory in the bet established an engineering solution still adopted in several cars today, and guaranteed an initial order for 13 units of the Type A, the first Renault in a long and rich history.

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The company would also be a pioneer in the use of steering wheels - until then, cars were driven by a type of rudder - and, in a short time, it established itself as one of the pillars of the new industry. During the First World War (1914-1918), the episode in which thousands of Renault taxis were requested to transport the French army towards the front, where they would fight alongside another motorized creation of the brand, the FT17 tank, became famous. Experience with airplanes, another area full of innovations, would influence projects such as the Viva Grand Sport, a luxurious sports car with visionary aerodynamic lines for the time.

After the Second World War (1939-1945), Renault was a pioneer in understanding the needs of an increasingly urban and rational public. Compact models, such as the R4 and R5, have sold millions of units thanks to their versatility and functionality. In 1964, the R16 popularized the concept of modularity, with folding rear seats and a trunk lid that went from the bumper to the roof, allowing access for bulky loads. The model was the first Renault to be voted European Car of The Year, a vote created by journalists from across the continent, and which would be won by the brand another five times in its history.

In more sophisticated segments, the R15 and R17 duo marked the 1970s with a hybrid design between coupe and hatchback, combining space for the family and visual elegance. The search for aerodynamic efficiency would reach its peak with the 1980 Renault Fuego, a car so stylish and striking that it would end up appearing in two James Bond films. Four years later, the Renault Espace would become the first modern minivan on the market, revolutionizing the concept of a family vehicle with multiple uses, capable of carrying up to seven passengers in different cabin configurations.

Modularity would also be the highlight of another industrial icon, the Renault Twingo. The minivan format, original styling and use of interior space set a new standard for all subsequent city cars. Going beyond the world of automobiles, the Twingo has already been honored by visual artists and design exhibitions, becoming the preferred vehicle among young people and adults with a dynamic lifestyle.

From the 1990s onwards, models such as the Clio hatchback, the Megane sedan and the Scenic minivan gained global reach, now present in 118 countries. Under the command of Brazilian Carlos Ghosn, one of the most admired executives today, Renault already has factories in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America, offering options for all segments, from the popular Logan and Sandero to the luxurious Fluence. The company has also consolidated a solid reputation in motor sports - two-time Formula 1 champion in 2005 and 2006, when it had its own team, and no less than eleven times champion as an engine supplier.

European leader in the production of electric vehicles, with ambitious projects that encompass not only vehicles, but also battery recharging and sharing systems between users, Renault paves the way for new revolutions on wheels, against the backdrop of a series of legacies already established in the history of the automobile.