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Renault S.A. is a French car manufacturer founded in 1899 by Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault. Louis was the engineer with design responsibilities, while his brothers were in charge of company management. The first car they made was the Renault Voiturette 1CV.
The company quickly realised that success in motor sport would give the company much needed publicity. A Renault car, the AK 90CV won the first ever Grand Prix race in 1906. However, their cars were aimed at the luxury end of the market, which struggled in comparison to the new breed of cheaper cars being sold by other manufacturers. This forced the company to introduce better production techniques and also sign distribution agreements to improve profitability.
After World War II the company was nationalised. The 4CV was produced and established itself as an alternative to both the Morris Minor and the Volkswagen Beetle and Renault sales of more then half a million cars was achieved in 1961. A new range of Renault cars was produced in the 1970's, such as the Renault 5 and the Renault 12.
In the 21st century Renault emerged as a company producing very distinctive cars, such as the Laguna and the Megane. These unique designs proved very popular and established it as an innovative company. Today, a second hand Renault is a popular choice with many drivers around the world.
The company's best-selling car is the Renault Clio, which was introduced in 1990. This supermini is now in its third generation, consistently being one of the best-selling cars in Europe. It is the only car that has twice won the European Car of the Year award, in 1991 and again in 2006. A used Renault Clio is a common sight on roads throughout Europe.
