Automobiles ERAD
Automobiles ERAD (Études et Réalisations du Douaisis, "Studies and Executions of Doaui") was a French manufacturer of microcars
| Industry | Automotive microcars |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1975 |
| Founder | Daniel Renard |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Fate | Acquired by Savel |
| Headquarters | , |
| Products | Automobile |
The company was founded by Daniel Renard in 1975, in Douai in northern France. Renard did not have a secondary education, but opened a small garage in Douai in 1967. He built a three-wheeled microcar in his spare time, which gained the attention of a local newspaper. This led to an order of another car by a reader, and the company was born.[1] Series production began in 1978, after the company had moved to bigger premises in the nearby town of Aniche. In 1979 nearly 2400 vehicles were built, while in 1980 employees built 2640.[2] Production came to and end in 1997 (after company funds had been misappropriated by a manager), when Savel (also located in Aniche) bought the company.[1] In total, about 30,000 ERADs were built, of which 800 were electrical vehicles.
Models
ERAD's first model was the Capucine, a plastic-bodied single-seater. It is 169 cm (67 in) long, 125 cm (49 in) wide, 160 cm (63 in) tall, and weighs 170 kg (370 lb). it was equipped with a two-stroke, 47 cc single-cylinder engine from Sachs; this was joined by a 123 cc engine from BCB and a 290 cc diesel engine from Farymann in 1981. There was also a handicap version of the Capucine, where the rear of the car was made up of a large door which swung to the side, allowing wheelchair entry via a small ramp.[3] Later, 360 cc Petters AC1 diesels were installed. The Capucine was facelifted in 1984 and gained a convertible model as well as a four-seater.
In 1982 the ERAD Midget appeared, a 270 cm (106 in) long replica of the 1936 MG Midget, weighing in at 260 kg (573 lb). A 125 cc petrol engine or a 600 cc diesel unit were available, but only 24 were built. In 1988 the ERAD Junior appeared, a new low-price using the headlights from the Peugeot 205. The eye-catching Junior only has one forward-folding door, a large unit which includes the roof of the car. Next followed the 1990 Spacia, similar in appearance to the Renault Twingo. This was available with diesel engines of up to 505 cc or an electrical motor. ERAD's last new car was the two-seat Agora, presented in 1993.
End of production
After ERAD suffered financial troubles due to managerial misconduct, Renard started a new company in 1995, called SECMA. Soon thereafter the ERAD factory was sold to the newly created Savel company (in 1997). Savel was itself liquidated in 2002, and Renard was able to buy back most of his old firm, reincorporating it into SECMA.[1]
External links
SECMA's website, Daniel Renard's current company. Still offers parts for ERAD vehicles.
References
- ^ a b c Ducuing, Olivier (2006). "Daniel Renard fait décoller ses buggies". Les Echos (in French).
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|trans_title=ignored (|trans-title=suggested) (help) - ^ "Historique de Secma, constructeur de voiture sans permis". Sans-Permis (in French).
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|trans_title=ignored (|trans-title=suggested) (help) - ^ Dahlan, A.B., ed. (1981-11-23). "Demam mobil ultra-mini di Perancis". Mobil & Motor (in Indonesian). Vol. 11, no. 10. PT Informedia Indonesia. pp. 11–12. ISSN 0047-7591.
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