In the early 1920s, Louis Renault believed that the best was yet to come for mobility solutions. Drawing inspiration from the American model, he streamlined production and boosted output, thus paving the way for the highly successful NN.
Renault versus top-tier American carmakers
Referring to Fiat and US manufacturers, Louis Renault stated,
“In tomorrow’s society, only the largest companies will be able to compete against the foreign giants”.
This prompted him to modernise the Billancourt production facilities in order to reduce costs. In total, the assembly line delivered more than 200,000 units of the 6 CV to meet the fast-growing demand for mass mobility, starting in 1922 with Type KJ, followed in 1924 by MT and NN, the latter being the bestseller in this popular 6 CV series.
Renault Type NN1, a victim of its own success
At the time, Renault generated much of its publicity through sporting records and achievements. In 1925, the Renault 6-wheeler crossed the Algerian desert between Colomb-Béchart and Gao. In 1927—the same year as Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight—a 6 CV rocketed across 18,000 kilometres of desert terrain in 36 days carrying no more than an oil can for its spare parts. These high-profile feats, combined with an increased demand, a simple and robust design and affordable pricing, would ensure the success of NN.
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