Militarization Of The Automobile

The car does not remain only "peaceful", it soon turns into war machine, the image of the armored cars. This militarization of the automobile is quickly illustrated by Colonel Jean-Baptiste Estienne, who understood that "the victory belongs to those who successfully mount a cannon on a car capable of moving in all fields" and he designed one "Battleship Earth Crawler", resembling in outline a char. Simple Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost parent and armored panels and mount to the front.

At a time when the country goes to support the national effort, the major automakers, as well as all the industries of the country are fully committed to the war effort. Even before the First World War broke out, Berliet is already a supplier of armée. Benz to manufacture APC 6000, Daimler manufactures mechanical parts for submarines, Ford produced boats, planes, etc.. Renault, meanwhile, takes care of the first armored fighting the "tanks". This car use causes many deaths on the battlefield to take security over the enemy and overcome obstacles called infranchissables.

The Armistice of 1918 marked the end of the war, but also the many small manufacturers. Only those who have worked for the government procurement of ammunition and other military equipment are still present. While some companies have not necessarily worked in an area close to the car - Bugatti and Hispano-Suiza for example, have mainly manufactured aircraft engines - the materials and techniques they have developed benefit thereafter , the automobile.