Louis Renault

Louis Renault

Louis Renault, French industrialist and founder of Renault

Born	(1877-02-12)12 February 1877
Birth place	Paris, France
Died	24 October 1944(1944-10-24) (aged 67)
Death place	Fresnes Prison, Fresnes, France
Occupation	Industrialist, Engineer

Louis Renault (12 February 1877 – 24 October 1944) was a pioneering French industrialist and engineer, best known as the founder of the Renault automobile company. Renault was instrumental in the development of the French automotive industry and played a significant role in the advancement of automotive technology in the early 20th century.

Early Life and Education

Louis Renault was born in Paris, France, into a wealthy family. He was the fourth of six children. From a young age, Renault showed a keen interest in engineering and mechanics. He attended the Lycée Condorcet, where he excelled in his studies, particularly in the sciences.

Founding of Renault

In 1898, at the age of 21, Louis Renault built his first car, the "Renault Voiturette 1CV," in a small workshop at his family's property in Boulogne-Billancourt. The car featured a revolutionary direct drive transmission, which was a significant innovation at the time. Encouraged by the success of his prototype, Renault, along with his brothers Marcel and Fernand, founded the "Renault Frères" company in 1899.

Innovations and Contributions

Renault was a prolific inventor and held numerous patents related to automotive technology. Some of his notable contributions include:

• The development of the first turbocharged engine, which was used in the Renault 40CV.
• The introduction of the first mass-produced sedan with a closed body, the Renault 4CV.
• Advancements in automotive safety, including the use of steel bodies and hydraulic shock absorbers.

World War I and Industrial Expansion

During World War I, Renault's factories were repurposed to produce munitions, military vehicles, and aircraft engines for the French war effort. The company manufactured the Renault FT, a revolutionary light tank that played a crucial role in the Allied victory.

Controversy and Death

After the German occupation of France during World War II, Renault's factories were used to produce vehicles for the German military. Following the liberation of France, Renault was accused of collaborating with the enemy. He was arrested in September 1944 and died under mysterious circumstances in Fresnes Prison a month later. The exact cause of his death remains a subject of debate.

Legacy

Despite the controversies surrounding his later life, Louis Renault's contributions to the automotive industry are undeniable. The company he founded remains one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. Renault's innovations laid the groundwork for many modern automotive technologies.

Also see

• Renault
• Automotive industry in France
• History of the automobile
• Renault FT