11 Interesting Facts About Renault

Renault is a French multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. Founded in 1899 by Louis Renault and his brothers, Marcel and Fernand, the company has been a pioneer in the automotive industry for more than a century. Renault is known for producing a range of cars, vans, and electric vehicles. It is also a major player in motorsports, particularly in Formula 1 racing. Renault is a part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, which is one of the world’s largest automotive groups.

Renault is a publicly traded company, with the French government being one of its largest shareholders, holding approximately 15% of the company. In 2023, Renault had an estimated revenue of $54.2 billion. Despite challenges, Renault continues to be a major player in the global automotive industry, particularly in Europe.

Place Among Automakers

Renault is one of the top automakers globally, consistently ranking within the top 10 in terms of production and sales. While it faces stiff competition from brands like Volkswagen, Toyota, and Hyundai, Renault’s innovation in electric vehicles and its strategic alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi make it a powerful force in the industry.

Interesting Facts About Renault

1. Oldest Car Manufacturer in France: Renault is one of the oldest car manufacturers in France and has been instrumental in the country’s automotive history. Its first car, the Renault Voiturette 1CV, was designed by Louis Renault in 1898.
2. Formula 1 Dominance: Renault has a long history in Formula 1, winning multiple Constructors’ Championships. The company has provided engines for several successful teams and launched its own team, Renault F1, in 1977. In partnership with Red Bull Racing, Renault won four consecutive Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships from 2010 to 2013.
3. First to Mass-Produce Turbo Engines: Renault was the first automaker to successfully introduce turbocharged engines to Formula 1 in 1977, a technology that later became standard in many road cars.
4. Renault’s Focus on Electric Vehicles (EVs): Renault has been a leader in the electric vehicle sector with models like the Renault Zoe. Launched in 2012, the Zoe became one of the best-selling electric cars in Europe, contributing to Renault’s push for a greener future.
5. Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance: Renault entered into a strategic partnership with Nissan in 1999 and later added Mitsubishi in 2016. This alliance allows the companies to share technologies, platforms, and resources, making it one of the largest automotive partnerships in the world.
6. Renault in Motorsports: Beyond Formula 1, Renault has a rich history in rallying and endurance racing, particularly with models like the Alpine. The Renault Alpine series was a highly successful line of sports cars that achieved notable success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and rally events.
7. Safety Innovations: Renault was one of the first car manufacturers to prioritize safety, with many of its models consistently earning 5-star Euro NCAP safety ratings. The Renault Laguna was the first car in Europe to receive a 5-star safety rating.
8. 2008 Formula 1 Crashgate: One of Renault’s biggest scandals occurred during the 2008 Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, known as Crashgate. Renault driver Nelson Piquet Jr. was instructed to deliberately crash to benefit teammate Fernando Alonso, who went on to win the race. The scandal resulted in lifetime bans for key team members and severely damaged Renault’s reputation in Formula 1.
9. F1 Withdrawal and Return: Renault has had a tumultuous relationship with Formula 1, withdrawing from the sport in 2010 only to return as a full factory team in 2016. Financial struggles and performance issues led to multiple changes in leadership and investment strategies.
10. Financial Troubles: Renault has faced several financial challenges over the years, particularly due to the declining sales of diesel cars and increased competition in the electric vehicle market. The company announced job cuts and cost-saving measures in 2020 as part of its recovery strategy.
11. Carlos Ghosn Scandal: Renault’s former CEO, Carlos Ghosn, was arrested in 2018 for financial misconduct related to his role at Nissan. Ghosn was accused of underreporting his income and misusing company assets. In a dramatic turn of events, Ghosn fled Japan while on bail, escaping to Lebanon, where he has since maintained his innocence.