The French automobile industry produces automobiles. Automotive industry in France. Steam train of Cugno

Patriarch of the French automobile industry (Panhard-Levassor)
The history of the company, founded in 1847, is connected with the names of engineers Louis-René Panhard and Emil Levassor. In 1894, one of the models was launched in Odessa, and the Panhard-Levassor became the first car in Russia. It is important that the first car with a classic layout (front engine, rear wheel drive, rear seat, passengers sitting behind the wheel) was the French Panhard-Levassor 3CV built in 1899.

The design itself from Levasor has become a standard of European auto manufacturing.
What is typical for these times is that all kinds of companies built their names, image and reputation, as a rule, always on the same model, which they then “danced”. Without being the culprit and Panhard. Panhard himself, and at that time one of his companions, took away part of his name.

In 1936 Panhard saw a hit in a special Dynamic model. Although the passenger car was designed without any technical solutions, the design of this model was unique. Moreover, the front seat was 3-seater, and the water seats were in the center.
War and war were an important time for automobile manufacturers, especially for manufacturers of luxury cars. In 1954, the Panhard company entered into an alliance with Citroen. Last year, PSA (Peugeot-Citroen) sold the Panhard model to the military car manufacturer Auverland. Therefore, the remaining Panhard vehicles are more likely to be armored vehicles.
And recently the PSA concern announced its intention to revive the Panhard brand as a representative of its luxury line.

"Gnu Antelope" (Lorraine-Dietrich)
The history of the company began back in 1684 with a small forge in Alsace, with the addition of the commoner Jean Dietriche. The origin of the automobile dates back to 1896. The cars became so disgusting that Karl Benz himself spluttered on them. On De Dietrich, the young Ettore Bugatti worked on the cob of a century.

In 1905, two independent companies De Dietrich and Lorraine (French Lorraine - Lorraine) were created on the basis of the main enterprise in Germany and a branch in France. Across the river, the stench arose - and so, powerfully, the Lorraine-Dietrich car brand appeared, which existed until 1935. The company produced a wide range of cars, starting with a simple model equipped with a 2-cylinder engine (10 hp), and ending with a 4-cylinder engine with a capacity of up to 6 liters. Bodies with very exotic features were installed on the Lorraine-Dietrich chassis - on the basis of a two-wheeled stroller "bucket" or "Skiff-roadster".

In a Lorraine-Dietrich car, there's the "Wildebeest", passing the unforgettable Ostap Bender with his concessionaires at the "Golden Calf". Why Lorraine-Dietrich? The answer is simple. Ilf and Petrov (authors of the book of the same name) at one time, while on duty in Odessa, just rode the Lorraine-Dietrich.
The French company De Dietrich itself is thriving, being one of the world's leading producers of consumer goods.

"Conversion" plate (Voisin)
The auto industry and the aviation industry are closely intertwined, and many car enthusiasts have mixed with flying and flying. A representative of this category was the company Voisin, founded by Gabriel Voisin, one of the pioneers of aviation.
Voisin did not particularly appreciate his author's designs, but bought the design, as Citroen did not go to the manufacturer. After a little further investigation, we recovered the first Voisin car – C1. Moreover, “C” is not closely related to Citroen, Voisin effortlessly called the model the first letter of the word char (“tank”). It’s not entirely clear why, even though I was an aviator. Alas, smut, Voisin began to sell customers aluminum bodies with chimerical (most importantly splashy and straight) outlines. The most beautiful examples of Voisin's auto-modernism were the C20, C23 and especially the C27 models - the car made an arc at the cockpit profile, and the hard drive completely collapsed.

After the war, the company's share fell to the rule of the genre - there was no revival, and until 1959 its foundation ceased.
Voisin himself died in 1973. To be clear, the person who had the first self-propelled strollers lived until 1973, having actually bought the cars of the future from her husband. Life is more marvelous!

For those who are young at heart (Amilcar)
After the end of the First World War, the aristocrats were bored with their spending and money, and the capitalists who had accumulated pennies during the war were wondering where to invest them. Having taken the market situation into account, two entrepreneurs, Emil Acar and Joseph Lamie, approached investors with a sports car concept. It took a long time for them to realize their riches; they were literally strewn with pennies.
The name Amilcar is an anagram (the word is formed by the way of lettering of other words) from Lamy and Akar.

The first Amilcar CC was launched in a series in 1921, and then the company, which was being prepared, began to produce over a thousand cars on the river. However, the company's true glory came from the 1924 CGS model. Here you will get a great copy - a racing body in front with insurance for two, and in the back there was a place for a third passenger. The calling card of the car was the emblem in the shape of a pegasus on the hood.

Nezabar's idyll was destroyed. Depression. The last attempt to achieve great fame was the Pegase model, but it was more emotional than pragmatic, and in 1937 the company was taken over by the Hotchkiss company, where production lasted only two years.

The main competitor of Amilcar was the Salmson company - both companies produced similar cars. State supervision does not allow the drive to clearly establish which of them creates the most beautiful machines.
"Mass Grave" (Hotchkiss)
Everyone hastened to join the auto industry: bicycle makers, tractor drivers, skimmers, farriers, and aviators. A place was found for the farmers. Hotchkiss was famous in the past for its machine guns.

Having started producing components for Panhard-Levassor cars, the Hotchkiss company produced its first car in 1903. Since 1909, Hotchkiss has primarily settled in the “luxury” segment, but did not join the race of pressure and size, but focused on reasonable parameters. This modesty really helped during the period of depression, when those who liked to compare themselves became acquainted with one another. With its engines, automobiles and production, the Hotchkiss company became the largest manufacturer in pre-war France.

After the war, Hotchkiss tried to establish itself as a manufacturer of military all-terrain vehicles and as a manufacturer of passenger cars. In the intense struggle for industrial contracts, interrupted by supplies of vans and armored cars, Hotchkiss lasted until the early 70s. In 1982, the company's surpluses, far from the world of automobiles, were nationalized and transferred to the Thomson concern.
This company is notable not for its cars and not for the fact that it transformed from a factory into a car company, but because Hotchkiss has become a “mass grave” for a number of famous French car factories.
In 1937, Hotchkiss took over the Amilcar company, which had gone bankrupt. And at the beginning of the 50s I picked up the legendary Delahaye, as before it had faded no less than the aristocratic rival Delage.

The article analyzes the history and current state of the French automobile industry.

Key words: French economy, automobile industry, "Renault",« Peugeot Zitroën"

J. Komissarova. French automobile industry

Materials analyzes the history and modern state of French automobile industry.

Key words: French economy,automobile industry,Renault,« Peugeot Zitroën"

The culpability of the French automobile industry dates back to the 90s. XIX century Initially, there were small enterprises, which were often repurposed workshops. So, for example, the Peugeot manufacturing plant consistently produced metal products (good springs, saw blades, water, etc.) and bicycles.

Until 1914 France already had 155 automobiles (30 in 1900), in 1913 The country took 2nd place in the world in automobile production (after the USA) and 1st place in automobile exports. Significant progress was seen by a number of officials, among whom were the significant growth of domestic power supply, the strategy of Galusian enterprises and the successes of French designers. There has been an increase in the number of taxis and buses, which have improved the transport accessibility of rural regions, and an expanded number of clients in Galuzia for the reduction of rural residents. The minds behind the enterprise began to increase their efforts. For example, as of 1898. At the Renault enterprises there were only 6 employees, then until 1913. Their number has grown to 4 thousand, the number of vehicles has increased exponentially from 6 to 4.5 thousand cars per river.

Further, throughout the 20th century, the French automobile industry was characterized by increased production and concentration, and after the Second World War, centralization of capital. So, in 1938 In France, 227 thousand passenger cars were produced, then by the end of the century the production reached 3500 thousand, and production was almost entirely concentrated in the hands of two groups (Renault and Peugeot Citroën).

The automobile industry has traditionally occupied an important place in France. Nina produces 226 thousand at the galusa enterprises in the middle of the region. osіb, or 7% of those employed in the industry. Automobiles account for 9.5% of France's merchandise exports and 9% of imports, and 15% of total expenditures on the tax revenue (5.9 billion euros).

Table 1.

The main indicators of the activity of French automobile manufacturers

Virobnitstvo, yew. PC.

incl. in France

Share of light production vehicles (Renault and Peugeot Citroën), %

Number of employees borrowed from the world (Renault and Peugeot Citroën), thousand

Light goods turnover

(“Renault” and “Peugeot Citroën”), billion euros

Sales outside France, thousand. PC.

Share of the domestic market, %

* Daily updated data.

Compiled by: Industrie automobile française, analysis et statistique 2015 / Comité des Constructeurs Français d'Automobiles. P. 4-5 (access via www.ccfa.fr)

In 2014 Worldwide production of French automobiles reached 5.7 million cars, of which 26.5% were produced within national borders (in 1997, this figure exceeded 60%). Close to 80% of all manufactured vehicles were sold on foreign markets, up from 70% in 1997. In general, the statistical data presented in the table confirms that the leading automobile companies in France continue to view the domestic market as important for their activities (div. See also table 2), confusion in the minds of increased competition will lead to presence in foreign markets, ahead for the sake of expansion of production beyond the borders of the region.

Table 2.

Some French and foreign automobile manufacturers in the total number
new special vehicles registered in France, %

French groups,

incl.

52,6

53,4

55,3

PSA Peugeot Citroen

Renault (incl. Dacia)

Foreign groups,

incl.

47,4

46,6

44,7

Usyogo

100,0

100,0

100,0

Dzherelo: www.insee.fr

The French automobile industry is heavily monopolized: the companies Renault and Peugeot Citroën provide almost all the light production of the national automobile industry.

The Renault company was founded in 1899. brothers Reno; in 1921 It began the serial production of automobiles (the first conveyor was launched at Boulogne-Biancourt). U 1945 r. The company was nationalized, and since 1993, with the beginning of another stage of privatization of the language from France, there was a gradual reduction in the share of the state in its capital (the share was 15.01%).

From the beginning of the 1990s. The Renault group took an active part in international affairs and strategic alliances, which led to this until the beginning of the 21st century. gave credit to one of the main groups of capital that formed around the light automobile industry.

U 1999 r. The Renault group has created a strategic alliance with the Japanese corporation Nissan. As part of the alliance, Renault added 36.8% of the shares of the Japanese company, and Nissan - 15% of the shares of Renault. At the time of the crisis, Nissan was in a difficult financial situation: its share of the light market was short by 6.6% in 1991. to 4.9% in 1999, and the amount of debt exceeded 22 billion dollars. The merger within the alliance contributed to the financial recovery of Nissan and allowed it to expand its activities in Western Europe and Latin America. Renault, in its turn, entered the markets of Western America, Japan, Asia-Pacific countries, Australia and Oceania, and also denied access to the commercial efforts of the Japanese corporation.

Nina has established a mutual system between her partners. So, for example, virtual integration has led to the proliferation of specialized platforms, components, as well as the increased efforts of partners for large-scale projects in the countries, where independent production is economically ineffective. The companies developed a unified information exchange system and unified electronic document management standards, which combined with the optimization of management. There was a consolidation of maintenance and technical centers of Renault in Western Europe, Brazil, Argentina and Korea, Nissan in Japan, Australia, Indonesia and China. In 2014 The alliance launched the implementation of four convergence projects in key areas: engineering, production and logistics, procurement and human resources. Currently, due to the alliance with the Nissan corporation, Renault occupies 5th place in the world in the production of cars, about 50% of which are sold in Europe (3rd place in the region).

In 2014 The group's turnover amounted to 41.1 billion euros, the number of employees reached 117.4 thousand. osіb, including 46.4 osіb in France (close to 40%). The main direct development of Renault in 2014 - 2016 years. є updating the model range, international expansion, increasing competitiveness, expanding competition within the alliance with Nissan and optimizing investments.

Another automobile group - Peugeot Citroën - was established in 1974. as a result of the merger between Peugeot and Citroën.

The history of "Citroën" began in 1919, when its founder André Citroën released the first car, the Citroen Type A. "Peugeot" was founded in 1810. And from the very beginning I started making springs for local gods; The first car was released in 1900. However, during the First World War, the company took an active part in the established French army: it produced 1.4 thousand tank engines, 10 thousand engines for airplanes, 6 million bombs and shells.

In 2014 Peugeot Citroën's turnover reached 53.6 billion euros, and the number of employees was 189.8 thousand, 44% of which were from France. Peugeot Citroën's international development strategy is based primarily on long-term partnerships with automobile manufacturers in other countries. So, for example, in China the group has created a strategic alliance with the Dongfeng Motor company, within which it plans to build its fourth plant in the country.

It is important to note that, despite the active international expansion (Table 3), the groups are offended by the expansion of production and NDDCR in France.

Table 3.

Geographical structure of automobile production by companiesRenaultіP.S.A., 2014

Pivnichna America

Pivdenna America

Other European countries and Turechina

Pivdenna Korea

Other countries of Asia; Oceania and Africa

Today, French cars have long been popular on the lighting market and successfully cover the expanses of Europe, Asia and America. These cars are serious competitors for many American and Japanese manufacturers. Such success has always been achieved due to the stagnation of high technologies and new developments in the machine industry. Today, France has two main concerns, which produce cars that go to:

  • "Renault".
  • "Citroen".

These are the widest and most popular brands of French cars in the world. Some of their model range reaches several dozen cars, below we will look at just a few of the most popular cars in the world, manufactured in France.

Brands of French cars "Renault"

"Renault Logan"... This legendary "state employee" has long conquered the European market with its attractive design and attractive price. French Renault cars have repeatedly amazed the public with their availability and outstanding technical data. Logan was developed together with Romanian engineers, so the new product was much more similar to a sedan.

Mostly French cars (the photo of the car is presented a little more) Renault Logan has a wide range of engines - there is only one petrol engine available with a manual 5-speed gearbox. Today, the situation has changed dramatically. The engine line has three power units, among which is an 84-horsepower 1.5-liter diesel unit. The car was economical - for 100 kilometers of driving, the new product consumed 4.1 liters of fuel.

Brands of French cars "Citroen"

Along with “Logan” it is impossible not to mention the stylish Frenchman “Citroen C4”, which appeared on the lighting market in 2004. Immediately after its debut, this model became a cult favorite on the European market. And today this car does not rank in the top ranks of sales ratings. The car is famous not only for its marvelous design, but also for its powerful engines.

Among them you can see a 155-horsepower gasoline unit and a diesel unit with 150 horsepower. At the same time, the entire line of power units has a completely economical fuel consumption. The least efficient engine consumed no more than 7 liters per “hundred”.

Renault Duster pozashlyakhoviki are the most popular brands of French cars in their class.

In 2010, a crossover appeared for the first time with the appearance of a crossover vehicle and the price of a budget hatchback. Hundreds of views and press conferences were dedicated to him, and all through the easy efforts of the French, who were first in the light market.

Initially, the company's engineers wanted to invest 6 thousand euros in the budget, but as a result of the Renault Duster crossover, they put together 10 to 13 thousand euros. Ale navіt pіslya who is the most accessible pozashlyakhovik, as the robbers characterized him, without losing his popularity. And today we are deprived of the best available crossover in the world. The French also stuck to their orders 100%.

No one in the world can work better than marvelous cars, even the French. The French themselves are visible on the world market with their extraordinary cars. Everyone knows that German cars are luxurious, reliable and comfortable, Japanese brands are clear, American cars impress with their chic and scale, Korean cars are modern optimal for the price. What are French cars?

We cannot deny that there are a lot of good and well-known French cars around the world. For example, Renault Megane has become popular throughout the world. Unfortunately, most French car brands are in the shadows, so German and Japanese brands are destroying them in the background. This trend has been going on for quite some time. The French have repeatedly tried to see the auto market in the world arena, releasing a lot of carnage. For everything, trying to put special respect on their cars, French car brands often spoil amazing and unusual cars. We present to you our top ten most famous French cars.

1 - Michelin PLR

A ten-ton, unconventional Michelin car. The machine was broken up in 1972. A special transport option is to equip two vehicles with V8 Chevrolet engines. This machine was designed to invert wheels, as the Michelin company inverts. The car has 10 wheels and has a speed of up to 160 km/year. As the basis for the creation of this automotive “miracle”, the DS car was taken. Place the emphasis on the three rear axles of the transport unit and on the front 4 wheels, which are covered with a ceramic wheel.

2 - Nicholas-Joseph Cugnot's Fardier

In its time, this car would be marvelous. It was a big three-wheeled car. The wheels were driven by the steam traction frame. Balance vaga buv zhahlivim. The car is not resistant to road conditions. Car of winemakers French winemaker Nicolas-Joseph Cagnot born in 1771. Some experts confirm that this is the first real-life car in the world. The most powerful transport load is 2.5 tons, and can grow up to 3.6 km/year.

3 - Renault Avantime


The world's first minivan is a coupe. The car changed gears from 2001 to 2003. Externality is no longer simple. This car will have a “reasonable” door release mechanism. Regardless of the fact that this MPV car bears the Renault brand name, the car was produced by the Matra car brand.

The design of the original coupe was a favorite among the first generation of Renault Espace cars. The car was equipped with a Renault engine, rated at 207 hp.

In my opinion, the creator of this minivan is to blame for the more reliable, less traditional door-based cars. Alas, it’s a pity, the car was a waste.

4 - Renault Twizy


After the French company first showed this marvelous car, most of the world's population thought it was hot. Even though only these cars were marked on the roads of France, most car experts were very worried that Renault began serial production of this unusual car. This has been released and is lost in the prison behind the seals.

5 - Citroën 2CV Safari


If you want to equip your car with all-wheel drive, then it is an urgent decision to use two motors to transmit the torque to turn all the wheels. This model is not a concept but the result of a French designer. This is a real production model, as there are two small engines that power the Citroen 2CV Safari all-wheel drive vehicle. It is most important that the fuel tank of this particular car is located under the front seats, and the filler tank neck is located at the driver's door.

6 - Panhard CD


In fact, this car is a product of Citroen. More than 92 cars were produced under this brand. Citroen then sold the car to Panhard, which continued serial production of the car under its own name. This model was built for the 24-year Le Mans race. What is most important is that in 1962 the car became a winner in these prestigious races. This success was possible due to the miraculous flow of the body, which at that time was one of the best in the world for aerodynamic support.

7 - Matra Murena

Another unique sports product from the French company Matra. The car was produced from 1980 to 1983. One of the most amazing figures of that time was that there were three-year-old seats in the car. The seat was folded in the center, as a result of which a manual armrest was added. The car has a galvanized bottom and other body elements, which are in no way susceptible to corrosion. This unique sports three-door hatchback is equipped with a 2.2-liter engine producing 142 hp.

8 - Renault Clio V6


This model was the top-end version, which was first released in 2001. This car is very similar to the legendary model of the 80s, Renault 5 Sport. The latest version of the Clio was equipped with a 3.0 liter V6 engine with central valves. Rozgin from 0-100 km/year in 5.7 seconds. Maximum speed 234 km/year.

9 - Peugeot 1007


A small compact car with simple passenger doors has produced a lot of knowledge in the car market. Do not be fooled by the efforts of engineers, designers, marketers and other representatives of the French company, the car manufacturer has made huge profits on this model. Peugeot spent $21,293 on the leather model "1007". Usyogo Bulo was virobled 123,000 pieces. cars The total turnover during the period of development of this model became 2.6 billion dollars.

The car was vibrating from 2004 to 2009.

10 - Citroen C4 Cactus


Although there are a lot of car manufacturers based on concept cars, they produce not so many production cars. The reason is the need for large investments. This is not about French car companies. By the end of the day, French automobile companies were planning to bring the concept car into serial production, which would be presented at auto shows. Many French car manufacturers are located on the edge of the financial gap, with huge surpluses. But this does not become a barrier to produce production versions of cars based on original concept cars. Butt axle. The new production model, which was recently presented to the world as a concept car, is now beginning to be commercially produced for sale all over the world.

French designers also took up the development of cars, but the Germans were ahead of them. Therefore, the first French automobile company “Panhard et Levassor” began the production of engines using ready-made technology and presented two crews with the same German engine.

The company initially specialized in wood production. However, by breaking down transport features, designers were able to give the world a number of innovations. The plan was to install the engine in the carriages vertically. This made the car more stable. To mix speeds, the French began to use special forged gears. True, despite everything, the first Panhard et Levassor cars were completely incomplete.

In 1898 the company introduced a new system of car maintenance. This interacts with the system of important elements, rods and hinges, which allows the transmission of the rotor from the kerma to the wheels.

By 1903, Panhard cars were already performing badly, taking part in races and developing a speed of 52 km/year.

At this time, another company appeared in France - "De Dion-Bouton", under the leadership of Count de Dion and engineer Georges Bouton. Our merit is the creation of an innovative engine. This particularity was unfathomable at that time of rotation - from 1500 rpm to 3000 rpm. The heavy-duty engine ran on gasoline and would run strong regardless of the small volume – 0.5 hp.


Albert de Dion and Georges Bouton

The merit of this figure was the creation of cars with a multi-tubular frame, and the introduction of a driveshaft transmission into the system. It is equipped with a belt drive, this technology has been seriously advanced.


Louis Renault

The cardan shaft is completely replaced by the belt and lance in the system. This technology is gaining popularity today, especially as rear-wheel drive vehicles become more common.

French achievements in the automotive industry were modest, with less technical innovations. However, the cars created by the French at the beginning of the 19th century were light and reliable, with engines that were more powerful at that time. Moreover, the Renault car brand is the hallmark of the French automobile industry today.

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