me and my automobile page 7

me and my automobile page 7 by ric Gustafson


After WWI, for car makers it was a time of boom and bust. Sir Herbert Austin introduced a small car in Britain. The Austin Seven was a small car that appealed to women. A version called the Ruby was designed for a female market. Austin was no businessman and relied on small profits and a high volume of sales. By 1932, the Austin Seven had become the Model T of Europe. By 1939, it was Britain's best selling auto.
By 1939 in France, Renault and Citroen were becoming major automakers. Renault's cars had live axles and his transmissions were the industry standard. Renault's rival was Citroen. He was warm, generous and enthusiastic about his cars. Citroen's family originated in Holland. In 1919, he started his own car company. That same year, he built Europe's first car assembly line. His first production was called the Type A Tourer. It was the first low priced car to have an electric starter and lighting. In 1934, he built the Avant. This was the first front wheel drive steel production car. It sported a gear change in the dashboard, umbrella handbrake control and front bench seats.


research help: ' The Life of the Automobile' by Steven Parissien


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric