It came to my notice yesterday that Jacques Thoridnet, previous managing director of Renault Australia from 1964-1970 and 1975-1977 passed away at the grand age of 90 years back in February this year.
Jacques Thoridnet was first assigned to Australia by Renault France in late 1964, his task being to further the profile of Renault in Australia from a fairly low base. Working to what would be best for Renault, within the framework of the newly introduced Australian Government local assembly rules, he assessed the Renault 10 as offering the best opportunity under the small volume vehicle assembly plan. As well as convincing Renault France to purchase the Continental and General factory in West Heidelberg further demonstrating their commitment to Australia, and gaining extra production volume.
Australian Renault sales doubled in 1967, the first year of West Heidelberg under Renault ownership and Mr Thoridnet’s control. The creation of the Renault Rally Team, initially managed by Peter Jansen, then Bob Watson, further increased the profile of Renault culminating with the 1970 Australian Rally Championship, won after Mr Thoridnet was reassigned to Algeria in April 1970.
In 1973, Mr Thoridnet was appointed as director of the Alpine factory in Dieppe, following Renault acquiring a majority share in Alpine. In 1975 Mr Thoridnet, when the position became available again, requested to be Renault Australia managing director for a second time. Then in 1977 enjoying the Australian lifestyle, and not wishing to be relocated, he chose to leave the Renault organisation by purchasing the top volume selling South Australian Renault/Peugeot dealer Carl Drummond Motors in the Adelaide CBD. The dealership being renamed Jacques Thoridnet Motor Centre, with Mr Thoridnet’s participation continuing until his retirement from the retail motor trade business in 1984.
Certainly without the energy and passion shown for the Renault marque in Australia by Jacques Thoridnet in those early years, I doubt whether the Renault scene in Australia would be as vibrant as it is today.
A belated RIP to Jacques Thoridnet.
Jacques Thoridnet was first assigned to Australia by Renault France in late 1964, his task being to further the profile of Renault in Australia from a fairly low base. Working to what would be best for Renault, within the framework of the newly introduced Australian Government local assembly rules, he assessed the Renault 10 as offering the best opportunity under the small volume vehicle assembly plan. As well as convincing Renault France to purchase the Continental and General factory in West Heidelberg further demonstrating their commitment to Australia, and gaining extra production volume.
Australian Renault sales doubled in 1967, the first year of West Heidelberg under Renault ownership and Mr Thoridnet’s control. The creation of the Renault Rally Team, initially managed by Peter Jansen, then Bob Watson, further increased the profile of Renault culminating with the 1970 Australian Rally Championship, won after Mr Thoridnet was reassigned to Algeria in April 1970.
In 1973, Mr Thoridnet was appointed as director of the Alpine factory in Dieppe, following Renault acquiring a majority share in Alpine. In 1975 Mr Thoridnet, when the position became available again, requested to be Renault Australia managing director for a second time. Then in 1977 enjoying the Australian lifestyle, and not wishing to be relocated, he chose to leave the Renault organisation by purchasing the top volume selling South Australian Renault/Peugeot dealer Carl Drummond Motors in the Adelaide CBD. The dealership being renamed Jacques Thoridnet Motor Centre, with Mr Thoridnet’s participation continuing until his retirement from the retail motor trade business in 1984.
Certainly without the energy and passion shown for the Renault marque in Australia by Jacques Thoridnet in those early years, I doubt whether the Renault scene in Australia would be as vibrant as it is today.
A belated RIP to Jacques Thoridnet.