Birth Manufacturers

Several manufacturers are aware of the potential of this new invention, so that many automakers emerge. Panhard & Levassor and is founded in 1891 and produced the first production vehicles in France. April 2, 1891, Armand Peugeot discovers automotive driving a Panhard-Levassor and also bases its entreprise. Marius Berliet started its activities in 1896, and in 1898, Louis Renault built with the help of his two brothers Fernand and Marcel its first cart to Billancourt. Georges Latil, in 1897, patented the principle articulated transmission, to actuate the wheels of a broken axle, thus making both driving and steering, as complet front. All these pioneers improve mechanical performance, setting up an industry.


France was then at the forefront of automotive, as evidenced by the production figures of the early century. In 1903, France produced 30,204 cars, or 48.77% of the world production, against 11,235 in the United States. The few cars of American origin are design Duryea brothers (in) or brothers Aperson. The British (9437), Germany (6904), Belgium (2839) and Italy (1308) are other countries producteurs. Peugeot, Renault and Panhard have other outlets in the United States. France has 30 automakers in 1900, 57 in 1910 and 155 in 1914. United States, there were 50 brands in 1898 and 1908, 291. End of 1905, France has 21,523 cars. We find the largest number in the department of the Seine, with 4627 copies.