Democratisation of the motor car

The deregulation of trade may throw light on this complex choice at the key moment when the government decided to nationalise the Renault company and when Pierre Lefaucheux, the new Chairman of the state-controlled Renault plants, made some innovative strategic choices. Because it chose to specialise in cars for the working classes, as of 1948, Renault became the number one car manufacturer in Europe, paving the way for the competition boosted by the Italian and German economic miracles. From 1945 to 1960, Renault developed strong growth centred around the 4CV and Dauphine. The company laid down the foundations for the glory years, with their success measured by production volumes and their ability to win new contracts drawn up by the development of Europe’s Inner Six.