A great opportunity for Renault to celebrate its 120th anniversary and to show the public a selection of historic models. Indeed, the brand has always been guided by its ability to innovate, make life easier for its customers and transform itself. It has demonstrated this over the years in Parisian exhibitions, ancestors of the Mondial de l'Automobile.
Let’s look back at this event which gathered hundreds of spectators on Sunday 30 September in the heart of Paris:
#ParisMotorShow | ? For its 120th anniversary, the @MondialAuto is organising a parade of 230 iconic vehicles in the streets of #Paris. A great opportunity for us to celebrate #Renault120Years ?& to show a selection of historic models! ?
To learn more: https://t.co/8THXFkvJVE pic.twitter.com/dibTepddQH— Groupe Renault (@Groupe_Renault) 30 septembre 2018
A look back at some major dates:
1898: the Mondial is called " Exposition Internationale d'Automobiles "
For its first edition, the event is organized by the Automobile Club de France, on the terrace of the Jardin des Tuileries. It was decided that "no car could be included in the exhibition if it had not first been driven in the presence of a curator from Paris to Versailles and back, relying on its own resources". On the same date, Louis Renault built its Type A Voiturette, in Boulogne-Billancourt. If it is not intended for sale, it is nevertheless the first stone of a gigantic empire. It was not until June 1899 that it was exhibited at the second motor show on the Tuileries esplanade by
the three Renault brothers.
1901: the exhibition moves to the Grand Palais, symbol of the Paris Motor Show for 60 years
The Salon continues to develop until 1914. It becomes:
''International Motor, Cycle and Sports Exhibition''.
1946: the first post-war exhibition in Europe reaches record attendance levels
More than 800,000 people rushed to see the new products. Revealed that year, the 4CV perfectly meets the needs of reconstruction. Lightweight and economical, it can comfortably carry four people. Innovative in particular by its flat floor and its new engine placed at the rear, it will have a brilliant career and will be produced in more than
a million units.
1950: the Motor Show is held both at Porte de Versailles and at the Grand Palais
It reaches record levels of attendance. The innovations follow one another and the purchasing power increases. Visitors discover the Colorale. With its robust design, it will provide many services to craftsmen, traders and farmers. The Régie Renault's range of commercial vehicles lacked a medium-size vehicle. The answer comes from the Colorale, whose name results from the contraction of colonial and rural. To make customers life easier, Renault is developing many versions that can be adapted to all situations.
1957: the Parisian event acquires an international influence
The Dauphine is on display. As a specialist in popular cars, Renault becomes Europe's leading car manufacturer in 1948 and paves the way for German and Italian competition. It is also the first time that we see a Japanese car, the Prince Skyline, come to the show, a brand that will later become Nissan.
1961: The Grand Palais hosts the Motor Show
for the last time
During the 48th edition of the Motor Show, on October 5, 1961, the public stops in front of the Renault 4L. A small popular car of great popularity, simple and practical, the 4L is produced until 1992, with more than 8.1 million sales. A record production! As comfortable in town as in the fields the 4L is above all functional. Its success is immediate and will last for decades.
1962: The Motor Show moves permanently to the Porte de Versailles
The spacious installations of the Exhibition Centre, in October 1962, make it possible to reactivate thematic exhibitions. The number of visitors remains above one million, but the progress is slower.
1972: The Motor Show reveals the cult Renault 5
It’s a mythical French car for a young and feminine public : with its rounded lines, its short hood and especially its 3 doors, it will change habits. Inside, flashy colours and square dials impose a new style, resolutely seventies. For more than 10 years, it will remain at the top of the sales of small cars in France.
1976: The Motor Show becomes a biannual event and is held in even years
1988: the "Salon de l'Automobile" officially changes its name to "Mondial de l'Automobile".
1998: the Mondial de l'Automobile celebrates its 100th anniversary
Small city cars are particularly popular: it is the year of the Twingo 1 phase 2. It is also the rise of minivans and the Renault Mégane Scénic. Manufacturers are unveiling functional models with a family focus and attractive prices.
