Charron (automobile)

Charron
	File:Charron Limited Front mit Firmenzeichen.jpg
Company type	Ltd.
Founded	1906
Defunct	1930
Headquarters	Puteaux, France
Key people	Fernand Charron
Products	Automobiles

Charron was a French car manufacturer located near Paris, operating between 1906 and 1930.^[1]

While Automobiles Charron Limited was officially founded in 1906 with considerable British capital, its origins extend back to 1901 through the firm Charron, Girardot et Voigt (C.G.V.).

Fernand Charron

Born in 1866, Fernand Charron initially gained recognition as a successful racing cyclist during the 1890s before transitioning to a notable racing driver by 1898, competing in vehicles produced by Panhard.^[1]

Automobiles Charron, Girardot et Voigt (CGV)

Automobiles Charron, Girardot & Voigt SA (C.G.V.) was established by former racing cyclists and drivers Fernand Charron, Léonce Girardot, and Émile Voigt.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag

Fernand Charron's dedication to his eponymous marque diminished; by 1908 he joined Clément-Bayard, overseeing its Levallois-Perret factory and marrying (later divorcing) Jeanne Clément-Bayard, daughter of the company’s proprietor.^[2] Shortly before World War I, he contemplated selling the Puteaux plant but ultimately converted it to manufacture vehicles for Alda, a brand he founded in 1912.^[1]

Contracts for military production during World War I provided critical support for the survival of the Charron firm.

Post-war period

Following the war, in 1920 Charron divested Alda to Compagnie Générale d'Électricité (CGE), which continued producing Alda-branded automobiles at the Farman facility for nearly one year.^[1]

Refocusing on its own marque, Charron offered seven different models by 1919 before streamlining to three models by 1920. Throughout the decade, Charron remained one among many automakers based in Paris but exhibited signs of strategic uncertainty. At the 19th Paris Motor Show, its display was limited while Fernand Charron concentrated on managing a recently acquired Citroën dealership.^[3] He also acquired substantial shares in Citroën, whose mass production techniques increasingly challenged smaller manufacturers.^[3]

By the late 1920s, growing industry consolidation and economies of scale favored larger French automobile companies. As a result, production at Charron declined steadily until automobile manufacturing ceased entirely in 1930.

Pre-war

Charron launched its own vehicle models in 1908, although some types from Charron, Girardot et Voigt continued to be available until 1912. The range included a top model with a 6782 cc engine producing 30 hp and a smallest variant featuring an 8 hp twin-cylinder engine of 1205 cc. All vehicles utilized shaft drive, and the compact 8 hp version was equipped with a dashboard radiator—a design element that became standard throughout the lineup by 1909.

In 1910, a six-cylinder model with a 3617 cc, 30 hp engine was added, followed by the introduction of a diminutive 845 cc Charronette in 1914.

1919 Motor show

During the 15th Paris Motor Show held in October 1919, Charron presented two automobiles:

The "Charron Type TC," a revival of the earlier Charronette, powered by a 1057 cc four-cylinder engine delivering 6 HP, mounted on a wheelbase.
The "Charron Type PGM," equipped with a 3392 cc four-cylinder engine generating 15 HP, also on a wheelbase.

A forthcoming model named "Charron Type A," featuring a 2995 cc four-cylinder engine and a wheelbase, was announced for release in 1920 but was not exhibited at the show.

1924 Motor Show

By 1924, Charron's emphasis had shifted towards smaller, lightweight vehicles. The prewar-designed Charronette with its 1057 cc (6/8 HP) engine continued production alongside the introduction of the "Charron Type CV2" with a 1502 cc (10 HP) engine and the "Charron Type CV1" sporting an 1843 cc (12/14 HP) power unit. Most pricing details were available upon request; however, the "Type TD / Charronette" was advertised at 16,000 francs for the Torpedo body style and 18,000 francs for the sedan variant. Despite their accessible pricing, these models lacked contemporary innovation and failed to inspire enthusiasm.

Later years

In 1925, four-wheel braking systems were incorporated into the lineup. By the final production year of 1930, the range comprised the established 12/14 CV model introduced in 1925, an enlarged version of the Charronette, and a six-cylinder car with an 1806 cc engine.

Motor-boats

In May of 1905, Madame Camille du Gast took part in the trans-Mediterranean race from Algiers to Toulon aboard the steel-hulled vessel Camille. This boat was specifically constructed for the competition and powered by a Charron, Girardot et Voigt engine rated at 90 horsepower.