| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Fate | ceased production |
| Founded | 1905 |
| Defunct | 1932 |
| Headquarters | Tours, France |
| Key people | François Rolland and Emile Pilain, founders |
| Products | Automobiles |
Rolland-Pilain was a French car maker founded 1905 in Tours by François Rolland and Emile Pilain.[1]
The Rolland-Pilain cars pioneered many innovative solutions despite very limited financial resources. One such feature was hydraulic brakes. The models ranged from family cars to sports and luxury cars.
During World War I Rolland-Pilain produced shells and parts for aircraft engines using a female work force.
Participation in motor racing included several Grand Prix races and Le Mans 24 hours. The greatest success came in 1923, when Albert Guyot drove a Rolland-Pilain A22 to victory in the San Sebastián Grand Prix.[2]
A lack of funds led to Rolland and Pilain losing control of the company in 1926. Things went downhill from there and the factory closed in 1932. When production ceased, more than 5 000 cars had been built.