Solex (manufacturer)
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive components, Bicycles |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Founder | Marcel Mennesson, Maurice Goudard |
| Defunct | 1988 (original French company) |
| Fate | Acquired by Magneti Marelli; production relocated and resumed |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Carburetors, Gasoline-powered bicycles (VéloSoleX) |
| Owner | Magneti Marelli (subsidiary) |
Solex represents a brand under the ownership of a subsidiary linked to the Italian automotive components producer Magneti Marelli. Initially established as a French enterprise, Solex specialized in manufacturing carburetors along with gasoline-powered bicycles.
European car manufacturers such as Rolls-Royce Motors, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Porsche extensively utilized Solex carburetors. The designs were also licensed to the Japanese firm Mikuni. The original French company discontinued operations in 1988. Following multiple acquisitions and rebranding efforts beginning in 1992, control shifted to Magneti Marelli, which relocated production facilities to China and Hungary. Production in Hungary ceased by 2002, while manufacturing activities recommenced in France by 2005. As of 2021, the EasyBike Group markets gasoline and electric bicycles and mopeds under the VéloSoleX name.
History
Solex was founded by Marcel Mennesson and Maurice Goudard, initially producing vehicle radiators for early automotive manufacturers such as Delaunay-Belleville and Parisian bus services. After World War I, the company acquired carburetor patents from Jouffret and Renée, adopting the Solex brand.
Currently, the Solex trademark is held by Magneti Marelli. The original entity was renamed Magneti Marelli France in 1994; on May 31, 2001, it reacquired certain assets, including the SOLEX brand, from Magneti Marelli Motopropulsion France S.A.S.
Carburetors
Up until the mid-1980s, Solex carburetors were widely implemented by European automakers before fuel injection systems became prevalent. Their clientele encompassed companies such as Rolls-Royce Motors, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Audi, Ford, BMW, Citroën, Opel, Saab, Renault, Peugeot, Lancia, Land Rover Series, Lada, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, Volkswagen, and Porsche.
From 1960 onward, licensed manufacturing was granted to firms like Japan’s Mikuni, which enhanced Solex carburetor designs. Mikuni-produced carburetors were commonly installed by Japanese automakers including Toyota, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Nissan, as well as motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha.
Powered bicycles
The VéloSoleX is equipped with a 49 cc engine positioned above the front wheel, transmitting power through a ceramic roller that propels the tire via friction.
The initial VéloSoleX prototype was developed in 1941 using standard bicycle frames such as those from Alcyon and powered by Solex's 45 cc engine. Commercial manufacturing started in 1946 with this 45 cc motor, later upgraded to 49 cc. Significant models include:
- 1946–53: 45 cc
- 1953–55: 330 (first model with a 49 cc engine; lacked clutch)
- 1955–57: 660
- 1957–58: 1010
- 1958–59: 1400
- 1959–61: 1700 (introduced clutch)
- 1961–64: 2200
- 1964–66: 3300 (featured first square-section frame)
- 1966–88: 3800
- 1971–88: 5000
For export markets, models such as the 3800 Export, the US-exclusive V3 (4600), and the 5000 were offered. The most recent French-produced model was the VéloSoleX 4800 (2007–2011).
With over eight million units sold mainly across Europe and licensed production globally, VéloSoleX is once more produced in France. The "VELOSOLEX" trademark is currently owned by Velosolex America, LLC, which manages global branding efforts.
Company timeline
- 1905: Established by Maurice Goudard and Marcel Mennesson, both alumni of École Centrale Paris.
- 1973: The carburetor segment was sold to Matra, followed by ownership transfers to Magneti Marelli, Renault, and Motobécane in 1974.
- 1983: Yamaha took over Motobécane, which was subsequently renamed MBK.
- 1988: Manufacturing activities in Saint-Quentin, France, were discontinued.
- Around 2001: Production halted in China before resuming operations back in France.
- June 2004: The French company CIBIÉ (part of Valeo) purchased the "Solex" trademark.
- October 2005: CIBIÉ introduced the e-Solex, created by Pininfarina; this model was manufactured in China and featured a 400 W brushless electric motor, a maximum speed of 35 km/h, and a range of 30 km.
- 2009: The e-Solex 2.0 was launched, incorporating a lithium polymer battery technology.