Founded in 1898, the Renault Corporation immediately developed an interest in motor racing and won the first ever Grand Prix event in 1906. Throughout its history the French company has seen racing as an effective means of promotion and has set up a dedicated ‘Renault Sport’ division. In 2005 Renault won the Formula One Constructors’ and Drivers’ championships and the company has a long tradition of success in rallying.

Renault was an innovative manufacturer from the very beginning, patenting the first turbocharger in 1899 and this continued through to the creation of the Espace in 1984 – the world’s first MPV. Car production ceased during the Second World War and Renault was forced to produce for the occupying German forces. During this time the factories were bombed and 80% of Renault’s machinery, buildings and raw materials were destroyed.

After the war the company was nationalised and established itself as a major car producer, the sixth largest in the world by 1959. However it was continuously dogged by industrial disputes and by 1984 was drastically losing money. A new chairman was installed and he succeeded in halving Renault’s deficit by 1986, though he was assassinated that same year.

The revitalised company began seeing great success and in 1995 produced the Megane – the first car to achieve four stars in the EuroNCAP safety ratings. Renault was privatised once more the following year and since then has had three winners of the European Car of the Year award, in addition to its three previous victories.

EuroNCAP Safety Ratings for Renault cars
The European New Car Assessment Programme produces reports on the safety of vehicles based on the results of several crash tests. As well as measuring how the car will hold up in a crash the risk to a pedestrian struck by the car is assessed. The star ratings (maximum 5) of key Renault models are shown below.