![]() With the money the company made from sales, it bought and developed heavy machinery to help with production. The 4CV, introduced in 1946, proved to be a major success, much larger than initially expected. For the European market, small cars were the future because they were cheap to buy and maintain. The first project made by the new company was the small 4CV, but it was postponed until after WWII. With worker strikes plaguing all of the country, Renault was nationalized by the government in 1945 in order to keep it from going bankrupt like Citroen had done some years before. Busses, lorries, electric railcars, tractors and even airplane engines, all were now coming out of the Renault plant. That's why it started expanding into other areas, basically building anything with a motor attached to it. The company was forced to cut costs, reduce staff and become more efficient in production. He also modernized the factory, emulating Ford and his plant, introducing assembly plants in 1922.ĭuring the economic crash of the 30s, all car manufacturers had to suffer and Renault was no exception. After the economic crisis, he wanted to become more autonomous and started buying all sorts of businesses that provided him with the materials and parts needed to make cars. ![]() Instead, he focused on bringing Renault carts to more European markets and even over to the Americas.Īs the gap between the United States and Europe widened because of the war and the economic crash, Renault sought to improve production and to lower costs. In 1903, Marcel, one of the Renault brothers died in the Paris to Madrid race in a crash, a hard blow both for the company and for Louis who would now assign professional drivers to race for Renault. That was also the year that Louis designed his first engine, a four-cylinder, which gave out 24 HP. The model line-up now had several models, including the first saloon in 1902. The company quickly developed and set up shop by the Seine. People watching the races made orders despite the fact the cars were expensive for the time. A number of victories earned them the notoriety they were searching for. Louis also understood that it would be only through racing that he would make the Renault name known to the world so he entered his vehicles in city-to-city races where his brothers acted as drivers. ![]() From the very beginning, Louis managed to show innovation when he invented and later patented a direct drive system on his De Dion-Bouton tricycle which he already turned into a four-wheel vehicle. The brainchild of an enthusiastic engineer named Louis Renault, the company was created in association with his two brothers who ran the financial side while he took care of the “mechanics”. ![]() Possible criticism is a slightly firm suspension although this does give it a sporty feel.A business started by 3 brothers in France in 1899, has turned decades later into a very profitable business, considering that now Renault is the 4th largest automaker in the world thanks to its partnership with Nissan. Highlights of the Intense is the quality interior, a high level of equipment, a huge boot, flowing turbo performance and a super smooth gearshift – a delight to drive on the open road. In many ways I’m glad we have cars like the Renault Megane – there are cheaper premium small cars but they offer an alternative in a highly competitive marketplace where there are 24 small cars under $40,000. Stability control is also a feature and unlike my criticism of its absence on the smaller Clio it does come with hill start assist. Loaded with safety features like autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, front side and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. However, this small car frankly is loaded with goodies and just oozes class. Renault Australia also introduced drive-away pricing across the 10 model Megane range –I tested the higher grade Megane Intense sedan at a rather lofty $35,990 drive-away. The 1.2-litre turbo seven-speed automatic Renault Megane sedan is built in Turkey, the Wagon like the hatch, built in Spain yet quality appears consistent across all three. Mid-year we saw Renault introduce a sedan and wagon version of their fourth-generation Megane bringing with them a new ownership experience – a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, 5-year roadside assistance and a new service initiative – $299 for each of the first three services.
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