De Dion-Bouton
De Dion-Bouton, established in 1883 by Count Albert de Dion, Georges Bouton, and Charles Trépardoux, was a trailblazer in the early automotive industry. Originally starting with steam-powered vehicles, the company swiftly transitioned to internal combustion engines, becoming one of the world’s largest and most successful automobile manufacturers by the early 20th century. De Dion-Bouton was renowned for its innovative engineering, particularly its high-revving single-cylinder engines and the revolutionary De Dion rear axle, which significantly improved vehicle stability and performance. Their cars and engines were not only popular among consumers but also widely used by other manufacturers. The brand’s lightweight vehicles, such as the iconic De Dion-Bouton tricycles and quadricycles, set numerous speed records and dominated early motor races. Although the company eventually faded from prominence, its contributions to automotive technology and its influence on the industry’s development are indelible.
