Car manufacturer and businessman. Born in German Strasbourg (former French Alsace had been annexed to Germany in 1871), he first worked with Ettore Bugatti for the car firm Lorraine-Dietrich, but soon built his own factory; between the two World Wars, he became one of the most important French car manufacturers (the fourth after Citroën, Renault and Peugeot). When WWII started and Strasbourg was annexed to Germany again, he went to the USA with the plans of his factory to have it bombed by allies at strategic points. After WWII, he returned to Europe but never became as successful as before, and died in Switzerland after falling through the window of his hotel.
Car manufacturer and businessman. Born in German Strasbourg (former French Alsace had been annexed to Germany in 1871), he first worked with Ettore Bugatti for the car firm Lorraine-Dietrich, but soon built his own factory; between the two World Wars, he became one of the most important French car manufacturers (the fourth after Citroën, Renault and Peugeot). When WWII started and Strasbourg was annexed to Germany again, he went to the USA with the plans of his factory to have it bombed by allies at strategic points. After WWII, he returned to Europe but never became as successful as before, and died in Switzerland after falling through the window of his hotel.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Records on Ancestry
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
