Lener renault biography samples

12/2/1877 - 24/10/1944

Record updated 24-Oct-06

Founded the Renault company in 1899 with his brothers, Fernand and Marcel. Responsible for design and manufacturing, Louis took control in 1908 after Fernand retired.

Marcel was killed in the Paris-Madrid race in 1903.

Lener renault biography samples pdf

During the war, Renault was put under the control of the Germans and Louis chose to remain. When France was liberated he was arrested for collaboration and died in questionable circumstances while awaiting trial.

The youngest of five children born into a Paris bourgeoisie family, Renault was fascinated by engineering and mechanics from a very early age, and would spend many hours in the Serpollet steam car workshop or tinkering with old Panhard engines in the tool shed of the family's second home in Billancourt.

He built his first car in 1898, a modified De Dion-Bouton cycle which featured a revolutionary universally jointed propeller driveshaft that included a three speed gearbox plus a revers