Tag: renault

Georges Besse (Renault) On this day in 1986 Georges Besse, the 58-year-old CEO of French automaker Renault, was gunned down just steps from his Paris home. Besse had become head of the company in 1985 when it was not profitable. Under his aggressive actions, Renault reported gains for the first time in years, just two months before Besse's assassination. In addition, Besse invested heavily into American automaker AMC, of which Renault was a major stockholder. While many executives saw AMC as worthless, as it too was losing money at the time, Besse forecast Jeep to be among the most profitable brands in North America. He did his part to make that happen. 1986 Renault advertisement The quick turnaround of Renault was not without significant loss for the French people. To become pro...

There are probably very few, if any, remnants left of a certain 1912 Renault Type CB Coupe de Ville at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, that Renault, made famous by Jack and Rose in "Titanic." The ship struck an iceberg during her maiden voyage on this day in 1912, sending it, 1,503 souls and that Renault to the ocean floor. William Carter had purchased the Renault in Europe and loaded it aboard the ocean liner, destined for New York City. He and his family joined the car on the ship, hoping for a nice cruise between continents. Obviously, that didn't happen, but unlike the Renault, Carter and his family made it back to shore. The vehicle has never been located, despite many excursions seeking Titanic artifacts. Cover and this image via Paramount Pictures "Titanic"