103-598: Sociedad de Fabricación de Automotores (SOFASA) is a Colombian company that assembles imported Renault and, in the past, Toyota and Daihatsu Delta vehicles. It was the first company to produce the Renault Logan in the Americas. In addition to Logan also manufactured Renault Clio , Renault Symbol , Renault Megane and Renault Twingo . It also manufactured trucks like Toyota Prado , Toyota Land Cruiser , Toyota Hilux and Daihatsu Delta . The company exports to
206-468: A capable rival for cars such as the Morris Minor and Volkswagen Beetle ; its sales of more than half a million ensured its production until 1961. After the success of the 4CV, Lefacheux continued to defy the postwar French Ministry of Industrial Production , which had wanted to convert Renault solely to truck manufacture, by directing the development of its successor. He oversaw the prototyping of
309-412: A distinctive front shape caused by positioning the radiator behind the engine to give a so-called " coal scuttle " bonnet . This continued through the 1920s. Only in 1930 did all models place the radiator at the front. The bonnet badge changed from circular to the familiar and continuing diamond shape in 1925. The practice of installing the radiator behind the engine against the firewall continued during
412-634: A foreign nameplate to win the award. (In 2000, Motor Trend did away with separate awards for domestic and imported vehicles.) A surprising side effect of the AMC linkup was that Renault felt the effects of the Arab League boycott of companies doing business with Israel, as AMC built Jeeps there under license. Plans to sell the Renault 9 in the Middle East were mothballed as a result. Introductions in
515-478: A format that was popular with customers in the U.S. Models considered as part of the 'station wagon' series are the 55, 60, 80, 100, 200, and 300 series. Since the 70 series, the 'light-duty' series has been offered. Primarily tuned for the European market, it was intended to be a more comfortable version of the 'heavy-duty' series by adopting coil spring suspension, while being smaller and more affordable than
618-653: A joint AMC/Renault project since some early sketches of the XJ series were made in collaboration by Renault and AMC engineers (AMC insisted that the XJ Cherokee was designed by AMC personnel; even though a former Renault engineer designed the Quadra-Link front suspension for the XJ series). The Jeep also used wheels and seats from Renault. Part of AMC's overall strategy was to save manufacturing costs by using Renault's parts and engineering expertise when practical. This led to
721-537: A near vertical greenhouse . Models considered as 'heavy-duty' by Toyota are the BJ, FJ, 20, 40 and 70 series. The ' station wagon ' series of the Land Cruiser has more emphasis on comfort and interior space. The 'station wagon' series first appeared in 1967 as the 55 series Land Cruiser Station Wagon, which was conceived as a four-wheel drive vehicle for recreational use with sufficient space to carry an entire family –
824-693: A part-time four-wheel drive system like the Jeep. However, and unlike the Jeep, the Jeep BJ had no low-range transfer case . In July 1951, Toyota's test driver Ichiro Taira drove the next generation of the Jeep BJ prototype up to the sixth stage of Mount Fuji , the first vehicle to climb that height. The test was overseen by the National Police Agency (NPA). Impressed by this feat, the NPA quickly placed an order for 289 of these off-road vehicles, making
927-486: A small star fitted above the front hood logo. This proved to be a winning differentiator and in the 1930s all cars changed to the Stella suffix from the previous two alpha character model identifiers. The Grand Renaults were built using a considerable amount of aluminium . Engines, brakes, transmissions, floor and running boards and all external body panels were aluminium. Of the few that were built, many went to scrap to aid
1030-661: A strategy to expand the range, SOFASA launched the Renault Twingo and creates a subsidiary in Venezuela , SOFAVEN, for commercial operations in that country. Additionally, imports Renault Laguna and presents two new versions of Renault 19 . SOFASA commercially launched the Renault Clio in 1996 and introduces the Renault 9 Personnalité while starts Renault exports to Venezuela and Ecuador . Two years later
1133-606: A tailgate only with an electrically operated window that can be retracted into the tailgate. Gallery The Land Cruiser 60 series was produced from 1980 through 1990, for most markets but the Cumana Plant in Venezuela continued production until 1992 for their local market. It is a front engine, four-door wagon which can seat five to eight people. The 60 series was available in the following exterior colours: Alpine White, Brown, Desert Beige, Freeborn Red, Royal Blue; and in
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#17327806611971236-747: A year later, on 4 April, this time delivered by the Americans, and on 3 and 15 September 1943. A few weeks after the Liberation of Paris , at the start of September 1944, the factory gates at Renault's Billancourt plant reopened. Operations restarted slowly, in an atmosphere poisoned by plotting and political conspiracy. In 1936, the Billancourt factory had been the scene of violent political and industrial unrest that had surfaced under Léon Blum 's Popular Front government. The political jostling and violence that followed liberation ostensibly reflected
1339-527: Is a French multinational automobile manufacturer established in 1899. The company currently produces a range of cars and vans. It has manufactured trucks , tractors , tanks , buses /coaches, aircraft and aircraft engines, as well as autorail vehicles. Headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt , near Paris , the Renault group is made up of the namesake Renault marque along with subsidiaries Alpine , Dacia from Romania and Mobilize . It
1442-498: Is completely different from the AK10 and inherits no mechanical parts from it. However, a lot of lessons learned while developing the AK10 were applied when developing the BJ. Toyota divided the Land Cruiser family into three series. The most basic version is the 'heavy-duty' series, which prioritizes functionality, durability and off-road capabilities over comfort or technology. It is also characterised by flatter steel body panels and
1545-466: Is discontinued (with 45,100 units sold) and replaced by the Renault 21 , a powerful and luxurious car by the time it was released. In addition, the Renault 9 is reworked into new versions (GTL and GTS). In 1989, the Renault 4 LIDER was introduced, powered by a 1.300cc engine from Renault 12 (not replacing the Master), and the Renault 21 Étoile in 1990, being this one of the most luxurious models in
1648-671: Is imported from South Korea . In 2011, SOFASA introduced the Renault Fluence (imported). The Renault Duster is assembled in Envigado since 2012 Renault Groupe Renault ( UK : / ˈ r ɛ n oʊ / REN -oh , US : / r ə ˈ n ɔː l t , r ə ˈ n oʊ / rə- NAWLT , rə- NOH , French: [ɡʁup ʁəno] , also known as the Renault Group in English; legally Renault S.A. )
1751-643: Is known for its role in motor sport , particularly rallying , Formula 1 and Formula E . Its early work on mathematical curve modeling for car bodies is significant in the history of computer graphics . The Renault corporation was founded on 25 February 1899 as Société Renault Frères by Louis Renault and his brothers Marcel and Fernand . Louis was a bright, aspiring young engineer who had already designed and built several prototypes before teaming up with his brothers, who had honed their business skills working for their father's textile firm. While Louis handled design and production, Marcel and Fernand managed
1854-816: Is part of Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance (previously Renault–Nissan Alliance) since 1999. The French state and Nissan each own a 15% share of the company. Renault also has other subsidiaries such as RCI Banque (automotive financing), Renault Retail Group (automotive distribution), and Motrio (automotive parts). Renault has various joint ventures, including Horse Powertrain (engine development), Oyak-Renault (Turkish manufacturing), Renault Nissan Automotive India (Indian manufacturing), and Renault Korea (previously Renault Samsung Motors, South Korean manufacturing). Renault Trucks , previously known as Renault Véhicules Industriels, has been part of Volvo since 2001. Renault Agriculture became 100% owned by German agricultural equipment manufacturer CLAAS in 2008. Renault
1957-584: The Andean Community of Nations (CAN) and supplies the national market of automobiles in Colombia. Currently, Renault is the sole shareholder of the company. As of 2019 the capacity of the company reached 70 000 cars per year making it the biggest car exporter in the region. SOFASA was founded in 1969 and started assembling cars from the French company Renault . A year later produced the first car:
2060-685: The Chevrolet Corvair . Renault also sold the Renault Caravelle roadster, which was called the Floride outside North America. During the 1950s, Renault absorbed two small French heavy vehicle manufacturers ( Somua and Latil ) and in 1955 merged them with its own truck and bus division to form the Société Anonyme de Véhicules Industriels et d'Equipements Mécaniques (Saviem). Renault then launched two successful cars –
2163-544: The Dauphine (until his death ), enlisting the help of artist Paule Marrot in pioneering the company's textile and color division . The Dauphine sold well as the company expanded production and sales further abroad, including Africa and North America. The Dauphine sold well initially in the US, although it subsequently became outdated against increased competition, including from the country's nascent domestic compacts such as
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#17327806611972266-593: The Grand Palais in Paris . During World War I, the company branched out into ammunition and military vehicles such as the revolutionary Renault FT tank . Production of aero engines also ramped up with additional licensed production of the firms' products being undertaken by various companies, including Rolls-Royce who got their start in the aircraft engine business producing a batch of Renault 70 hp air-cooled V8s. Renault's most successful aircraft engine
2369-537: The Guiana Shield craton . Land Cruiser sales reached 2 million vehicles. Gallery R means Right-hand drive version, excluding Japanese domestic market . In January 1998, the 100 series Land Cruiser was introduced to replace the eight-year-old 80 series. The 100 series was previewed in October 1997 as the "Grand Cruiser" at the 32nd Tokyo Motor Show. Development began in 1991 under code name 404T, with
2472-613: The Lexus LX instead), Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Brazil, and most of Europe. In Europe, the only countries where the full-size Land Cruiser is officially sold are the Gibraltar, Moldova, New Caledonia, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The Land Cruiser is hugely popular in the Middle East, Russia, Australia and India, and also in Africa where it is used by farmers, the construction industry, non-governmental and humanitarian organizations,
2575-545: The R 35 . During the late 1920s and early 1930s, Renault was surpassed by Citroën as the largest car manufacturer in France. Citroën models at the time were more innovative and popular than Renault's. However, by mid-1930s the French manufacturers were hit by the Great Depression . Renault could initially offset losses through its tractor, railroad and weaponry businesses, while Citroën filed for bankruptcy , and
2678-462: The Renault 4 (1961–1992), a practical competitor for the likes of the Citroën 2CV , and the rear-engined Renault 8 . The larger Renault 10 followed the success of the Renault 8, and was the last rear-engined Renault. The company achieved success with the more modern and more upmarket Renault 16 , a pioneering hatchback launched in 1966, followed by the smaller Renault 6 . On 16 January 1970,
2781-519: The Renault 4L . In 1972, began assembling its second model: the Renault 6 , with the 1.108cc engine. In 1973, the Renault 12 is added to the line, and the Break version was added the following year. In 1975 introduced the new version of the Renault 4 as Renault 4 Plus 25, which had a 1.022cc engine developed in Colombia and that was 25% more powerful than its predecessor. In 1976, SOFASA launched
2884-469: The Renault 6 and Renault 16 . The model was a success. 1970 was also the first year during which Renault produced more than a million cars in a single year, building 1,055,803. The company's compact and economical Renault 5 model, launched in January 1972, was another success, anticipating the 1973 energy crisis . The Renault 18 was introduced in 1978 and the larger Renault 20 in 1975. During
2987-560: The Toyota Model AE sedan coupled to a three-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer gearbox. Unlike the U.S. Jeep, the AK10 had limited use and photographs of it in the battlefield are rare. In June 1954, responding to claims of trademark violation by the Willys Company that produced the original Jeep, then Director of Technology Hanji Umehara renamed the vehicle "Land Cruiser." The postwar Toyota "Jeep" BJ
3090-584: The XJ Cherokee , could be launched. When the bottom fell out of the four-wheel drive (4×4) truck market in early 1980, AMC was in danger of bankruptcy. To protect its investment, Renault bailed AMC out with cash – at the price of a controlling 47.5% interest. Renault replaced some AMC executives, and Jose Dedeurwaerder of Renault became President of AMC. The partnership resulted in the marketing of Jeep vehicles in Europe. The Jeep XJ Cherokee may have been
3193-928: The "Rambler Renault" was positioned as an alternative to the Mercedes-Benz "Fintail" cars. Later, Renault continued to make and sell a hybrid of AMC's Rambler American and Rambler Classic called the Renault Torino in Argentina (sold through IKA-Renault). Renault partnered with AMC on other projects, such as a rotary concept engine in the late 1960s. In the late 1960s and 1970s, the company established subsidiaries in Eastern Europe , most notably Dacia in Romania, and South America (many of which remain active) and forged technological cooperation agreements with Volvo and Peugeot , (for instance, for
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3296-428: The 'station wagon' series. Since 1990, the 'light-duty' series gained an additional moniker for some markets, Prado, coinciding with the release of the 90 series Land Cruiser that was designed to be more comfort oriented. 'Light-duty' models included the 70 wagon, 90, 120, 150 and 250 series. Availability of these series varies by market. Until 2021, the U.S. and Canada received the 'station wagon' model, but switched to
3399-522: The 1930s had the suffix "Quatre" and the luxury six-cylinder models that were sold with the suffix "-six", later becoming "Stella." For example, in 1928, when Renault produced 45,809 cars, its seven models started with a 6CV, a 10CV, the Monasix , 15CV, the Vivasix , the 18/22CV and the 40CV . Renault offered eight body styles. The longer rolling chassis were available to coachbuilders . The smaller were
3502-559: The 1930s, the company took over the aircraft manufacturer Caudron , focusing its production in small airplanes, acquired a stake in Air France and partnered to establish the airmail company Air Bleu . Renault Caudron airplanes settled several speed world records during the 1930s. Renault continued developing tanks as part of France's rearming effort, including the D1 and the FT's replacement,
3605-427: The 1936–1938 strikes had left him without political allies and no one came to his aid. He was incarcerated at Fresnes prison where he died on 24 October 1944 under unclear circumstances, while awaiting trial. On 1 January 1945, by de Gaulle's decree, the company was posthumously expropriated from Louis Renault. On 16 January 1945, it was formally nationalised as Régie Nationale des Usines Renault . Renault's were
3708-545: The 1950s and 1960s on vehicles where the engine was installed longitudinally in the rear of the vehicle. Renault introduced new models at the Paris Motor Show , which was held in September or October of the year. This led to confusion about model years. For example, a "1927" model was mostly produced in 1928. Renault cars during this time period had two model lines; the economy four-cylinder engine models that in
3811-531: The 80-series with coil suspended solid axles front and rear, and straight-6 petrol and diesel engines. These models were only sold in African, Australian, Russian, and South American markets. In 1998, a suspension system combining Active Height Control (AHC) and Skyhook TEMS Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension on the Land Cruiser J100 was introduced. In 2002, Toyota introduced Night View,
3914-514: The British Royal Air Force (RAF) launched 235 low-level bombers at the Île Seguin, Billancourt, Paris plant, the largest number aimed at a single target during the war. 460 metric tons (450 long tons; 510 short tons) of bombs were dropped on the plant and the surrounding area, causing extensive damage along with heavy civilian casualties. Renault resolved to rebuild the factory as quickly as possible, but bombardments continued
4017-470: The Colombian market and the first car with electronic fuel injection assembled in Colombia . Three years later, in 1992, the Renault 4 is discontinued after producing 97,050 units between 1970 and 1992 (22 years) and Renault 9 is released in new versions Brio, Super and Max while Renault Clio is imported from France. It also begins the assembly of Toyota Land Cruiser and Toyota Hilux . By 1993
4120-575: The French automobile industry. The disputes were eventually quashed by Renault in a particularly intransigent way, and over 2,000 people lost their jobs. After the French capitulation in 1940 , Louis Renault refused to produce tanks for Nazi Germany , which took control of his factories. As Renault was manufacturing the Renault UE tank for the Allies, he produced trucks instead. On 3 March 1942,
4223-456: The French military to transport troops during World War I which earned them the nickname " Taxi de la Marne ." By 1907, a significant percentage of London and Paris taxis had been built by Renault. Renault was also the best-selling foreign brand in New York in 1907 and 1908. In 1908 the company produced 3,575 units, becoming the country's largest car manufacturer. The brothers recognised
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4326-577: The Japanese government asked Toyota to develop a light truck for the military. And after the Empire of Japan occupied the Philippines , during 1941–1942, a captured Bantam GP (or Willys MB) was sent to Japan for assessment and testing. Japanese military authorities subsequently requested that Toyota produce a similar vehicle, albeit with an altered external appearance. The prototype Model AK led to
4429-543: The Jeep BJ their official patrol car. For the first two years, manufacture was exclusively to order and in small volumes. In 1953, however, regular production of the "Toyota Jeep BJ" began at the Toyota Honsya Plant (rolling chassis assembly). The body assembly and painting was done at Arakawa Bankin Kogyo KK, later known as ARACO (now an affiliate of Toyota Auto Body Company). The "Toyota Jeep BJ" Series
4532-592: The LCVs were the 4, 5, and 12 Société and the Estafette. The company added 54,086 buses/coaches and trucks. In North America, Renault partnered with American Motors Corporation (AMC), lending AMC operating capital and buying a minority 22.5% stake in the company in late 1979. The first Renault model sold through AMC's dealerships was the R5, renamed Renault Le Car. Jeep was keeping AMC afloat until new products, particularly
4635-535: The Land Cruiser by Toyota, it features a different design compared to the full-size model and, up until 2023, it remains the only comfort-oriented Land Cruiser available with a short-wheelbase 3-door version. As of 2023, the full-size Land Cruiser was available in many markets. Exceptions include the United States (since 2021 where the smaller Land Cruiser Prado has been sold under the Land Cruiser name since 2024), Canada (since 1996), Malaysia (which receives
4738-476: The Land Cruiser in Venezuela ended in 2008. The 70 series is also still marketed in Australia as 4-door wagon, 2-door 'Troop Carrier', 2-door cab-chassis and 4-door cab-chassis. The 70 series is also still being marketed in the Middle East as a 2-door and 4-door version as an SUV, and a 2-door and 4-door version as a pickup, and it is very popular there along with the regular Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser 55
4841-527: The Land Cruiser in the Australian outback – considered to be one of the toughest operating environments in both temperature and terrain. In Japan, the Land Cruiser was once exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Store . Since 1990, the smaller variation of the Land Cruiser has been marketed as the Land Cruiser Prado . Described as a 'light-duty' version of
4944-473: The Renault range is updated including the 9, 21 Etoile (sedan, hatchback and Break) and Safrane imported from France . The Bavaria Group acquired 51% shares of the Company in 1994. In April, launched the Renault 19 and begun the systematic plans of the company and the strengthening of commercial and customer service. SOFASA starts exports to Ecuador of Toyota Land Cruiser and Hilux . In 1995 under
5047-560: The Type GP was produced between 1919 and 1930. It was based on the FT tank. Renault struggled to compete with the increasingly popular small, affordable "people's cars," while problems with the United States stock market and the workforce slowed the company's growth. Renault also had to find a way to distribute its vehicles more efficiently. In 1920, Louis signed one of its first distribution contracts with Gustave Gueudet , an entrepreneur from Amiens , France. The pre-First World War cars had
5150-508: The UK since the vehicle's launch in 1998. The automotive press in Australia were critical of Toyota's decision to offer the acclaimed 1HD-FTE engine only in combination with IFS. Australian 4WD Monthly magazine stated "We will never forgive Toyota for going independent at the front with the mighty 4.2 turbo-diesel". The 100 series offered a selectable rear axle differential locker available as an option for model years 1998-1999. The 100 series formed
5253-504: The US by 1928 had declined to near-zero from their high point prior to WWI. A Type NM 40CV Tourer had a US list price of over US$ 4,600 ($ 81,623 in 2023 dollars ), about the same as a Cadillac V-12 , Packard Eight , Fiat 520 , or Delahaye . Closed 7-seat limousines like the Renault Suprastella started at US$ 6,000 ($ 106,465 in 2023 dollars ). Cars were conservatively engineered and built. The Renault Vivasix , model PG1,
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#17327806611975356-710: The US during the 1980s included the Renault Alliance GTA and GTA convertible – an automatic-top convertible with a 2.0 L engine – big for a car of its class and the Renault Fuego coupé. The Alliance was followed by the Encore (US version of the Renault 11 ), an Alliance-based hatchback. In 1982, Renault become the second European automaker to build cars in the US, after Volkswagen . However, bland styling and poor product quality proved insurmountable. Eventually, Renault sold AMC to Chrysler in 1987 after
5459-614: The United Nations, national armies (often the pickup version), and irregular armed groups who turn them into " technicals " by mounting machine guns in the rear. In August 2019, cumulative global sales of the Land Cruiser family surpassed 10 million units. In 1936, the Imperial Japanese Army introduced the Kurogane Type 95 four wheel drive reconnaissance car. However, in a separate development, in 1941,
5562-418: The Yon-Shiki Kogata Kamotsu-Sha ( 四 式 小型 貨物 車 type 4 compact cargo-truck ). The half-ton truck featured an upright front grille, flat front wheel arches that angled down and back (like the later FJ40), headlights mounted above the wheel arches on either side of the radiator, and a folding windshield. Production AK10 vehicles were powered by the 2,259 cc (2.3 L), 4-cylinder Type C engine from
5665-546: The assassination of Renault's chairman, Georges Besse by Action directe . The Renault Medallion (Renault 21 in Europe) sedan and wagon was sold from 1987 until 1989 through Jeep-Eagle dealerships. Jeep-Eagle was the division Chrysler created out of the former AMC. Renault imports ended after 1989. A completely new full-sized 4-door sedan, the Eagle Premier , was developed during the partnership between AMC and Renault. The Premier design, as well as its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bramalea, Ontario , Canada, were
5768-557: The basis for the Lexus LX 470 , which was also sold in Japan as the Toyota Cygnus. The 100 series was called the Toyota Land Cruiser Amazon in the UK and Ireland from 1998 to 2007. In 2000, Toyota celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Land Cruiser with commemorative models offered in several countries. Total global production to date was 3.72 million vehicles. The 100 series remained in production until late 2007, with several minor facelifts such as headlights, tail lights, front grille, rear spoiler and specification changes introduced over
5871-440: The business. The first Renault car, the Renault Voiturette 1CV, was sold to a friend of Louis' father after giving him a test ride on 24 December 1898. In 1903, Renault began to manufacture its own engines; until then it had purchased them from De Dion-Bouton . The first major volume sale came in 1905 when Société des Automobiles de Place bought Renault AG1 cars to establish a fleet of taxis. These vehicles were later used by
5974-420: The company into four business areas: automobiles (for car and light commercial vehicles or LCVs), finance and services, commercial vehicles (coaches and trucks over 2.5 tons GVW ), and minor operations under an industrial enterprises division (farm machinery, plastics, foundry, etc.). In 1980, Renault produced 2,053,677 cars and LCVs. The cars at the time were the Renault 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 30;
6077-402: The company started imports of Renault Midliner commercial motor vehicles. That same year, launched the Toyota Prado . Next year Renault 9 is discontinued and Megane is introduced. Renault Symbol and Clio II are introduced in 2001. The Renault Megane II was introduced in Colombia in 2003. With the sale of shares of Bavaria in 2003, the new shareholding structure of the company
6180-502: The design selection of its predecessor in 1994, a final production design was settled on for the 2008 J200. Prototype related tests were conducted for over two years between 2004 and early 2007. The redesigned Toyota Land Cruiser was introduced in late 2007. Known as the 200 Series, it shares the Lexus LX 570 's platform and overall design. The frame was new, derived from the second-generation Tundra but shortened and strengthened by 20 percent. Bigger brake rotors and calipers were added and
6283-431: The design was inherited by the Chrysler Corporation in late 1987 after Renault divested AMC – which debuted in 1989 as the Jeep Concept 1 (evolving into the Jeep Grand Cherokee in April 1992). The Renault-AMC marketing effort in passenger cars was unsuccessful compared to the popularity of Jeep vehicles. This was because, by the time the Renault range was ready, the second energy crisis was over, taking with it much of
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#17327806611976386-407: The desire for economical, compact cars. One exception was the Renault Alliance (an Americanised version of the Renault 9 ), which debuted for the 1983 model year. Assembled at AMC's Kenosha, Wisconsin plant, the Alliance received Motor Trend ' s domestic Car of The Year award in 1983. The Alliance's 72% US content allowed it to qualify as a domestic vehicle, making it the first car with
6489-478: The development of the PRV V6 engine, which was used in Renault 30 , Peugeot 604 , and Volvo 260 in the late 1970s). In the mid-1960s, Renault Australia was set up in Melbourne. The company produced and assembled models including the R8, R10, R12, R16, sporty R15, R17 coupes, R18, and R20. The unit closed in 1981 and the factory closed with LNC Industries taking over import and distribution of Renaults in Australia. When Peugeot acquired Citroën and formed PSA ,
6592-445: The end of the decade. Renault acquired a controlling stake in Automobiles Alpine in 1973, and over the decades, Renault developed a collaborative partnership with Nash Motors Rambler and its successor American Motors Corporation (AMC). From 1962 until 1967, Renault assembled complete knock down (CKD) kits of the Rambler Classic sedans in its factory in Belgium. Renault did not have large or luxury cars in its product line and
6695-407: The final design being frozen in mid-1994. There are two distinct versions of the 100-series, the 100 and the 105 . The two versions look very similar, but there are significant differences under the bodywork. Despite these differences and official model names, both the 100 and 105 are collectively known as the 100 series . The 105 carried over the majority of its chassis and power train from
6798-490: The firm, assuming his responsibilities at once. Meanwhile, provisional government accused Louis Renault of collaborating with the Germans. In the frenzied atmosphere of those early post-liberation days, with many wild accusations, Renault was advised by his lawyers to present himself to a judge. He appeared before Judge Marcel Martin, on 22 September 1944 and was arrested on 23 September 1944, as were several other French automobile-industry leaders. Renault's harsh handling of
6901-410: The first Grand Prix motor racing event in a Renault AK 90CV in 1906 . Louis took full control of the company as the only remaining brother in 1906 when Fernand retired for health reasons. Fernand died in 1909 and Louis became the sole owner, renaming the company Société des Automobiles Renault (Renault Automobile Company). Renault fostered its reputation for innovation from very early on. At
7004-408: The first worldwide series-production active automotive night vision system, on the Toyota Land Cruiser Cygnus and Lexus LX 470. This system uses the headlight projectors emitting near infrared light aimed like the car's high-beam headlights and a CCD camera then captures that reflected radiation, this signal is then processed by a computer which produces a black-and-white image which is projected on
7107-427: The following metallic exterior colours: Charcoal Gray, Cognac, Gray-Blue, Rootbeer, Sky Blue, Stardust Silver. Gallery The Land Cruiser 80 series was unveiled in October 1989 at the Tokyo Motor Show and launched in early 1990. It had swing-out back doors, which were replaced by a tailgate and hatch in 1994. The Land Cruiser was nicknamed the Burbuja (Bubble) in Colombia and Venezuela due to its roundness. The J80
7210-486: The front suspension was strengthened. The underbelly is also protected by skid plates. The roof pillars were redesigned to better protect occupants in a rollover. The 200 Series encountered some criticism due to its bland body restyling, with some claiming that Toyota has 'overdeveloped' the classic trademarked Land Cruiser identity in its efforts to fit the Land Cruiser into modern 21st century motoring and vehicle design. The vehicle entered production in September 2007 and
7313-424: The group's collaboration with Renault was reduced, although established joint production projects were maintained. Prior its merging with Peugeot, Citroën sold to Renault the truck and bus manufacturer Berliet in December 1974, merging it with its subsidiary Saviem in 1978 to create Renault Véhicules Industriels , which became the only French manufacturer of heavy commercial vehicles. In 1976, Renault reorganised
7416-452: The improvement of the venerable AMC inline six – a Renault/Bendix-based port electronic fuel injection system (usually called Renix ) transformed it into a modern, competitive powerplant with a jump from 110 to 177 hp (82 to 132 kW) with less displacement (from 4.2 to 4.0 litres). The XJC Cherokee concept, which was conceived in 1983 as a successor to the XJ series, was also a joint collaboration with AMC and Renault engineers until
7519-405: The lower section of the windshield. It was also the first Toyota vehicle with roll-over sensor and control logic . The 100 models were fitted with a slightly wider chassis, independent front suspension (IFS) and two new engines. The change to IFS was a first for a Land Cruiser, and was made (in combination with rack-and-pinion steering ) to improve on-road handling. However, it also limited
7622-414: The manufacturer celebrated the 25th anniversary of its 1945 rebirth as the nationalised Régie Nationale des Usines Renault . The 1960s had been a decade of aggressive growth: a few months earlier, in October 1969, the manufacturer had launched the Renault 12 , combining the engineering philosophy of its hatchbacks with the more conservative "three-box" design. The four-door Renault 12 model slotted between
7725-636: The mid-seventies, the already broad-based company diversified into more industries and continued to expand globally, including South East Asia . The energy crisis led Renault to again attempt to attack the North American market. Despite the Dauphine's success in the United States in the late 1950s and an unsuccessful assembly project in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec (1964–72), Renault began to disappear from North America at
7828-436: The most popular while the least produced was the 18/ 24CV . The most expensive body style in each range was the closed car. Roadsters and tourers (torpedoes) were the cheapest. The London operation was important to Renault in 1928. The UK market was quite large and North America also received exports for the luxury car market. Lifted suspensions, enhanced cooling, and special bodies were common on vehicles sold abroad. Exports to
7931-594: The new three spring rear suspension that considerably aided stability that was needed since some vehicles surpassed 90 mph (140 km/h). The straight 8-cylinder Reinastella was introduced in 1929 and expanded to a range culminating in 1939 Suprastella . Coachbuilders included Kellner , Labourdette , J. Rothschild et Fils and Renault bodies. Closed car Renault bodies were often trimmed with interior woodwork by Rothschild. In 1928, Renault introduced an upgraded specification to its "Stella" line. The Vivastella 's and Grand Renaults had upgraded interior fittings and
8034-484: The only factories permanently expropriated by the French government. In subsequent years, the Renault family tried to have the nationalisation rescinded by French courts and receive compensation. In 1945, and again in 1961, the Courts responded that they had no authority to review the government's actions. Under the leadership of Pierre Lefaucheux , Renault experienced both a commercial resurgence and labor unrest , that
8137-464: The pre-war years. The first real commercial truck from the company was introduced in 1906. Renault were also an important pre-war manufacturer of aircraft engines . The firm entered the business in 1907 with the first of what would become a series of air-cooled V8 engines . In 1911 the Renault 90 hp became the world's first V12 aircraft engine when it was exhibited at the Salon de l’Aéronautique at
8240-471: The restyling for the Renault 6 and 12 corresponding to the worldwide updates Renault made for both models. Also in that year, SOFASA released the Renault 12 taxicab version, which completed the range until 1981. In 1981, the company began assembling the Renault 18 GTL, GTL Break and the Taxi version, replacing Renault 12 , after the latter sold about 56,250 units between 1973 and 1981. In 1983 Renault 9
8343-462: The rivalries between capitalist collaboration and communist resistance; many of the scores settled predated the invasion. Responding to the chaotic situation at Renault, a 27 September 1944 meeting of the Council of Ministers ( fr ) took place under de Gaulle's presidency. Postwar European politics had quickly become polarised between communists and anti-communists, and in France de Gaulle
8446-463: The sales of the Land Cruiser totalled more than 10 million units worldwide. Production of the first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951. The Land Cruiser has been produced in convertible , hardtop, station wagon and cab chassis body styles. The Land Cruiser's reliability and longevity have led to huge popularity, especially in Australia, where it is the best-selling body-on-frame , four-wheel drive vehicle. Toyota also extensively tests
8549-512: The smaller 'light-duty' model with the release of the 250 series in 2023. Most of Europe received the 'light-duty' model, while only several European countries also received the 'station wagon' model. In 1950, the Korean War created demand for a military light utility vehicle. The United States government ordered 100 vehicles with the then-new Willys specifications and tasked Toyota to manufacture them. The Toyota "Jeep" BJ prototype
8652-485: The starting point for the sleek LH sedans such as the Eagle Vision and Chrysler 300M . Toyota Land Cruiser The Toyota Land Cruiser ( Japanese : トヨタ・ランドクルーザー , Hepburn : Toyota Rando-Kurūzā ) , also sometimes spelt as LandCruiser , is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota . It is Toyota's longest running series of models. As of 2019 ,
8755-549: The time, cars were luxury items manufactured without assembly line advances. The price of the smallest Renaults at the time was 3000 francs (₣); an amount equal to ten years pay for the average worker. In 1905, the company introduced mass production techniques and Taylorism in 1913. In 1911, Renault visited Henry Ford at the Highland Park factory and adopted some of the manufacturing principles from his trip. Renault manufactured buses and commercial cargo vehicles in
8858-506: The value of publicity that participation in motor racing could generate for their vehicles. Renault made itself known through succeeding in the first city-to-city races held in Switzerland, producing rapid sales growth. Both Louis and Marcel raced company vehicles, but Marcel was killed in an accident during the 1903 Paris-Madrid race . Although Louis never raced again, his company remained very involved, including Ferenc Szisz winning
8961-453: The vehicle often appearing lower than the rear on the 100 models, due to the IFS. The other indicator is the design of the wheels: the 100 models have almost flat wheel designs, while the 105 models have dished wheels. This difference allows both versions to retain similar wheel tracks, despite the 100 having a relatively wider axle track to allow for the IFS system. The introduction of a V8 engine
9064-406: The vehicle's off-road capability and durability; hence, the decision to offer the solid-axle 105 models alongside the IFS 100 models in some markets was made. The table below identifies the range of 100 and 105 models and their worldwide availability. Despite the 100 and 105 bodies being very similar, there are some exterior visual indications between both models. The most obvious is the front end of
9167-496: The war effort. In 1931, Renault introduced diesel engines for its commercial vehicles. Renault was one of the few French vehicle manufacturers that pursued the production of aircraft engines after World War I. In the late 1920s, it attempted to produce a high-power military engine to compete with the American Pratt & Whitney units, which proved unsuccessful, although its civil engines achieved better results. In
9270-423: The years. *This engine was not introduced in Australia until 2000. The 100-series is generally considered a durable and reliable vehicle, however there have been three known issues identified, generally for vehicles operating in harsh conditions: Gallery In 2002, a five-year development plan on a successor to the 100-series platform commenced under Sadayoshi Koyari and Tetsuya Tada. By 2004, ten years after
9373-541: Was Renault 60%, Toyota 28% and Mitsui 12% but five years later Mitsui sold its stake in SOFASA to Renault and Toyota . In 2005, SOFASA launches the Renault Logan . A year later Toyota begun the production of its vehicles Daihatsu and Hino in Envigado . In 2008, Renault purchased all the SOFASA's stake. That same, it was initiated the manufacturing of the Renault Sandero at Envigado factory while Koleos
9476-589: Was also a first for a Land Cruiser, and was specifically intended to improve sales in the North-American market, where it was the only engine available. In Australia, the 100 V8 was initially only available in the range-topping GXV model, while entry and mid-range models were the 105 powered by the 1FZ-FE I6 petrol, or 1HZ diesel engines. The new 1HD-FTE turbo-diesel 100 was added to the Australian range in October 2000 after being available in Europe and
9579-542: Was developed in January 1951. This came from the demand for military-type utility vehicles, much like the British Land Rover Series 1 that was developed in 1948. The Jeep BJ was larger than the original U.S. Jeep and more powerful courtesy of its Type B 3.4-litre six-cylinder OHV Four-stroke petrol engine which generated a power output of 63 kW (84 hp; 85 PS) at 3,600 rpm and 215 N⋅m (159 lb⋅ft) of torque at 1,600 rpm. It had
9682-470: Was initially offered in two versions in these countries: the fully loaded VX and an entry-level model that included a vinyl interior with optional air conditioning. In 1996, the entry model was upgraded to a medium-equipped model named Autana, including cloth upholstery, standard air conditioning and power driver seat. The name is a reference to the Tepui mesa Autana , a spectacular plateau and cave system along
9785-503: Was introduced in the following variants: In June 1954, the name "Land Cruiser" was coined by the technical director Hanji Umehara. "In England we had another competitor – Land Rover . I had to come up with a name for our car that would not sound less dignified than those of our competitors. That is why I decided to call it 'Land Cruiser'", he recalls. The name had already been used on the Studebaker Land Cruiser which
9888-404: Was keen to resist Communist Party attempts to monopolise the political dividends available to resistance heroes: politically Billancourt was a communist stronghold. The government decided to "requisition" the Renault factories. A week later, on 4 October, Pierre Lefaucheux , a resistance leader with a background in engineering and top-level management, was appointed provisional administrator of
9991-463: Was later acquired by Michelin . Renault became again the largest car manufacturer, a position it would keep until the 1980s. Renault was finally affected by the Great Depression economic crisis in 1936. The company spun off Caudron and its foundry and aircraft engine divisions into related but autonomous operations, keeping its core automotive business. Between 1936 and 1938, a series of labour disputes, strikes, and worker unrest spread throughout
10094-536: Was produced from 1934 to 1954. The 92 kW (123 hp; 125 PS), 3.9 L Type F petrol engine was added to the Land Cruiser range for the first time, originally only in the fire-engine chassis. The models were renamed: Note: the new B diesel engine was different from the B petrol engine used in the original BJ. The Sixth and Seventh generations of the Land Cruiser are still being produced and sold in African and Latin American regions. Production of
10197-510: Was produced from 1967 to 1980. Toyota refers to the FJ55G and FJ55V as the first "real" station wagon in the Land Cruiser series, thus marking the beginning of the station wagon body style. It was the first Land Cruiser to have fully enclosed box frame members. Of all the Land Cruiser wagons sold in the U.S., including the FJ45, it is the only one to not have hatch and tailgate in the rear, but rather
10300-488: Was released, one of the best selling cars in Colombia (about 115,000). In that year the company released the new Renault 4 GTL (later known as Master) in new colours, aesthetic and image. Next year, the Renault 9 Taxi was launched while Renault 6 is discontinued (42,500 units were produced). In 1985 Renault 18 GTX is introduced, which was the most powerful car manufactured by SOFASA at that time (2.000cc engine, 100 HP) with some exterior modifications. In 1987 Renault 18
10403-509: Was sold as the "executive sports" model beginning in 1927. Lighter weight factory steel bodies powered by a 3,180 cubic centimetre (cc) six-cylinder motor provided a formula that lasted until the Second World War . "de Grand Luxe Renaults", those with a wheelbase over 12-foot (3.7 m), were produced in small numbers in two major types – six- and eight-cylinder. The 1927 six-cylinder Grand Renault models NM, PI and PZ introduced
10506-689: Was the 300 hp 12Fe with around 5,300 built during the war. The company's military designs were so successful that Louis was awarded the Legion of Honour for his company's contributions. The company exported engines to American automobile manufacturers for use in such automobiles as the GJG , which used a Renault 26 horsepower (19 kW) or 40 hp (30 kW) four-cylinder engine. Louis Renault enlarged Renault's scope after 1918, producing agricultural and industrial machinery . The war from 1914 until 1918 led to many new products. The first Renault tractor,
10609-484: Was to continue into the 1980s. In the early 1950s, Renault assembled at least two models; "Standard Saloon" and "De Luxe Saloon" in England. In secrecy during the war, Louis Renault had developed the rear engine 4CV which was subsequently launched under Lefacheux in 1946. Renault debuted its flagship model, the largely conventional 2-litre 4-cylinder Renault Frégate (1951–1960), shortly thereafter. The 4CV proved
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