Belgian company Automobiles Imperia was established in 1906 by Adrien Piedboeuf. The name “Imperia” was taken from Emperor Charlemagne. The factory at Nessonvaux had a 1 km rooftop test track, similar to FIAT’s Lingotto plant. Imperia later acquired Belgian car companies Métallurgique, Excelsior and Nagant, before closing in 1949.