Renault: The Democratic Innovator

While Citroën pursued radical innovation, Renault democratized advanced technology. The company's post-war strategy focused on making sophisticated engineering affordable. The Dauphine of 1956 brought independent suspension and efficient packaging to the masses. The R4 of 1961 created the modern hatchback, with a lift-up rear door and folding seats that transformed it from people-carrier to cargo-hauler.

The R5, launched in 1972, revolutionized small car design. Where others saw economy cars as punishment for poverty, Renault designer Michel Boué created something joyful. The R5's plastic bumpers (an innovation for cost and safety), expressive headlights, and cheeky proportions made it fashionable. Young urban professionals who could afford larger cars chose R5s for their style and practicality.

Renault's innovations extended beyond products to production. The company pioneered automation while maintaining strong worker participation. The Douai plant, opened in 1970, became a model for human-centered automation. Workers participated in designing their workstations, leading to innovations that improved both productivity and job satisfaction. This collaborative approach helped Renault avoid the labor strife that plagued other manufacturers.