Pioneers

During the Belle Epoque, Renault made an increasing number of technical discoveries and dared to launch new products such as lorries and buses and aircraft and boat engines.

 

Its renown grew fast, firstly thanks to the reputation of its cars, recognised as the French specialist in luxury goods, and secondly its reputation as the manufacturer of the taxis seen driving up and down the roads of the biggest cities in the world.

 

Step by step Louis Renault built an industrial production plant made up of factories purchased one after the other in Boulogne, an area to the west of Paris. The First World War provided him with the opportunity to substantially develop his business and to position the company as a major player even then.