Automobiles ERAD
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1975 |
| Founder | Daniel Renard |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Fate | Acquired by Savel |
| Successor | Savel |
| Headquarters | Douai, later Aniche , France |
Area served | France |
Key people | Daniel Renard (founder) |
| Products | Microcars, electric vehicles |
Automobiles ERAD (Études et Réalisations du Douaisis, meaning "Concepts and Developments of Douai") was a French producer of microcars established by Daniel Renard in 1975, located in Douai, northern France. Renard, who did not pursue formal secondary education, began with a modest garage setup in 1967. In his leisure time, he crafted a three-wheeled microcar that generated local interest, eventually leading to the creation of the company. Production on a larger scale commenced in 1978 after moving operations to expanded premises in Aniche. By 1979, output reached almost 2,400 units, rising to 2,640 the following year. Manufacturing ended in 1997 due to financial irregularities involving a manager; subsequently, the business was acquired by Savel, another firm based in Aniche. In total, around 30,000 ERAD vehicles were manufactured, including roughly 800 electric variants.
Models
The first vehicle introduced by ERAD was the Capucine, a single-seat microcar featuring a plastic body, measuring in length and weighing . An upgraded model offered a broader track width of . It was equipped with a two-stroke 47 cc Sachs engine and was available with either front- or rear-wheel drive configurations. The front-wheel drive variant utilized a Motobécane 50 cc two-stroke engine fitted with a contra piston to improve low-speed torque. Later versions accommodated two passengers and included a small luggage compartment. By 1981, engine choices expanded to include a 123 cc BCB and a 290 cc Farymann diesel unit. A version designed for disabled users incorporated a rear door that swung open sideways with ramp access. Subsequent models featured 360 cc Petters AC1 diesel engines. In 1984, the Capucine underwent styling updates and was offered as both a convertible and a four-seater.
The ERAD Midget, introduced in 1982, was a replica inspired by the 1936 MG Midget. Weighing , it had live leaf-sprung axles and drum brakes on all wheels. Engine options comprised a 125 cc two-stroke petrol or a 600 cc diesel engine; production was limited to just 24 units. The ERAD Junior debuted in 1988 as an economical model incorporating Peugeot 205 headlights and an innovative single front-hinged door that included the roof panel. The Spacia model from 1990 bore resemblance to the Renault Twingo and was available with diesel engines up to 505 cc or an electric motor alternative. ERAD’s final vehicle was the two-seat Agora, launched in 1993.
End of production
After encountering financial troubles linked to managerial misconduct at ERAD, Daniel Renard established SECMA in 1995. In 1997, ownership of the ERAD manufacturing facility transferred to the newly created Savel company, which ultimately went into liquidation in 2002. Following this, Renard reacquired most of his previous enterprise’s assets and reintegrated them into SECMA.
External links
- SECMA's website, the current company led by Daniel Renard that continues to provide parts for ERAD vehicles.