zoom_in Click to enlarge

Berliet

▲ ▼

description Berliet Overview

Berliet was a significant French automobile manufacturer established in Lyon in 1910. The company specialized in producing commercial vehicles including lorries and buses, recognized for its engineering and durability during the prewar period. Berliet’s designs were influential within the French transport sector and remain of interest to historians and automotive enthusiasts studying early 20th-century industrial design and truck development.

help Berliet FAQ

What kind of vehicles did the Berliet company primarily manufacture?

While Berliet began as a French automobile manufacturer, they became primarily known for their robust commercial vehicles. They specialized heavily in manufacturing heavy-duty lorries and buses throughout the 20th century.

When was the Berliet automobile company founded and closed?

The Berliet company was officially established as a prominent French automobile manufacturer in the early 20th century, around 1910. It operated for decades before its operations were fully integrated and the brand ceased to exist in 1992.

Who eventually took over the Berliet commercial vehicle brand?

The Berliet brand was eventually absorbed into Citroën in the late 1960s, which itself was part of the larger Michelin empire at the time. Later, the commercial vehicle divisions were entirely integrated into Renault Trucks.

Are there any surviving examples of Berliet commercial vehicles today?

Yes, many surviving Berliet lorries and buses are preserved by transport museums and vintage commercial vehicle enthusiasts across France. The Fondation de l'Automobile Marius Berliet actively maintains a massive collection of these historic vehicles.

swap_horiz

Looking for Berliet alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward