Groupe Renault is one of the best-known vehicle manufacturers in the world.  Founded in 1899 by brothers Louis, Marcel and Fernand Renault, the company was at the forefront of car manufacture from its earliest years.  Based in Boulogne-Billancourt, Paris from its inception, this is where the firm still has its headquarters.  Renault were active participants in motorsport from the beginning, but tragically, Marcel died in an accident during the 1903 Paris to Madrid Race.  In WW I, hundreds of Parisian taxis were used to take French troops to the front for a battle near the river Marne and were given the name “Taxi de la Marne” as a result.  In the 1920’s and 30’s, Renault built a variety of cars both large and small, but the company also produced commercial vehicles & tractors and were involved with aviation, railways and armaments manufacture.  From WW II onwards, the company has maintained its presence as one of France’s leading car manufacturers and has also continued its participation in motorsport, particularly in F1 and rallying.  Today, Groupe Renault is one of the largest constructor of vehicles in the world, with involvement in many countries and it is also at the forefront in the development of electric vehicles.