Teilhol
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Founder | Raoul Teilhol |
| Fate | Production of components taken over by 2CA (Concept Composites Auvergne) in 2006 |
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Automobiles, electric vehicles, microcars |
Teilhol was a French car manufacturer established in 1958 by Raoul Teilhol under the name ACL (Ateliers de Construction du Livradois). The company adopted the founder’s name in 1978.
In 2006, 2CA (Concept Composites Auvergne) took over production of components for Teilhol automobiles.
Raoul Teilhol died on 18 April 2008 at the age of 86.
Collaboration with Renault
During the early 1970s, Teilhol, then operating as ACL, entered into a partnership with Renault to produce parts for their vehicles, including elevated roofs for the Estafette van and later for Renault 4 pickups. As demand increased for beach-style vehicles similar to the Citroën Méhari, Renault tasked Teilhol with creating a rival model. Teilhol developed and manufactured the Renault Rodeo series—models 4, 6, and subsequently 5. The Rodeo 4 was based on the Renault 4 platform, while the Rodeo 6 and 5 were built on the Renault 6 chassis, with the Rodeo 5 showcasing a refreshed design. To minimize expenses, all versions incorporated components sourced from various Renault models. Initially, these vehicles bore dual branding with ACL/Teilhol and Renault logos; however, later editions featured exclusively Renault branding.
Citadine
Building on the success of its Renault collaboration and the Rodeo line, Raoul Teilhol expanded operations by establishing manufacturing facilities in Ambert and Arlanc, with the latter location still producing Teilhol parts under the name 2CA.
Teilhol launched a range of compact urban vehicles under the TVE (Teilhol Véhicules Electrique) brand, beginning with the Citadine in 1972. This electric three-wheeler accommodated two passengers and had a range of approximately 50 km, bearing resemblance to the Isetta. The lineup included variants such as the four-wheeled Handicar designed for wheelchair users and the small flatbed Citacom. TVE also produced the Messagette model, which featured an extended range of around 100 km and was aimed at city dwellers traveling to leisure spots. Certain Messagette units were modified for utility functions at airports alongside Citacom vehicles.
Simply
Due to modest sales figures for the Citadine series, Teilhol transitioned in the early 1980s toward traditional petrol and diesel-powered microcars. The Simply was introduced in 1981 offering engine options of either 49cc or 125cc (T50 and T125 versions), featuring a more conventional four-wheel configuration. Its favorable reception led to diesel-powered models equipped with larger engines (325 & 400D, TD, and TLX), enabling Teilhol to expand its market presence.