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100 years of history

Arquus builds on its century of experience. From the FT-17 tank to the Griffon, our vehicles have been engaged on all the battlefields, from World War I to current peacekeeping operations. Our teams of engineers have constantly been driving their improvement to always serve our clients’ needs. To prepare tomorrow’s operations, it is essential that we know where we come from, and to rediscover our History.

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The stories that make us who we are

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Military History

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26 August 1875

BOLLÉE FAMILY, AUTHORIZATION OF CIRCULATION OF THE FIRST "LOCOMOBILE" CAR

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BOLLÉE FAMILY, AUTHORIZATION OF CIRCULATION OF THE FIRST "LOCOMOBILE" CAR

10 June 1890

Emile Levassor conçoit "le crabe"

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24 August 1891

INCANDESCENT IGNITION, PATENT REGISTERED BY PANHARD & LEVASSOR

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INCANDESCENT IGNITION, PATENT REGISTERED BY PANHARD & LEVASSOR

24 July 1000

ORIGINS OF ARMIS EQUUS

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ORIGINS OF ARMIS EQUUS

10 March 1831

Creation of the French foreign legion

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Creation of the French foreign legion

18 March 1898

The French army buys its first Panhard & Levassor vehicle

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The French army buys its first Panhard & Levassor vehicle

22 September 303

Saint Maurice, patron saint of the infantry

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Saint Maurice, patron saint of the infantry

4 December 306

By Saint Barbara, long live bombardment !

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By Saint Barbara, long live bombardment !

1 December 659

The feast of Saint Eligius, patron saint of Army mechanics and metalworkers

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The feast of Saint Eligius, patron saint of Army mechanics and metalworkers

18 October 1708

Saint Luke, patron of the Army Medical Service

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Saint Luke, patron of the Army Medical Service

26 March 1807

and by the Emperor, long live the Train

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and by the Emperor, long live the Train

27 May 1841

Birth of René Panhard

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Birth of René Panhard

7 November 1860

Birth of Jean-Baptiste Estienne, ""the Father of French Tanks

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Birth of Jean-Baptiste Estienne, ""the Father of French Tanks

21 January 1866

birth of Marius Berlie

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birth of Marius Berlie

9 October 1875

AMÉDÉE BOLLÉE MADE 230 KM WITH L'OBÉISSANTE TO GO FROM LE MANS TO PARIS, IN 18 HOURS

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AMÉDÉE BOLLÉE MADE 230 KM WITH L'OBÉISSANTE TO GO FROM LE MANS TO PARIS, IN 18 HOURS

1 June 1878

Birth of Georges Latil

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Birth of Georges Latil

31 July 1891

EMILE LEVASSOR TRAVELS 225 KM BETWEEN PARIS AND ETRETAT AT 10KM/H

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EMILE LEVASSOR TRAVELS 225 KM BETWEEN PARIS AND ETRETAT AT 10KM/H

1 October 1898

Foundation of Renault Frères

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Foundation of Renault Frères

24 December 1898

Louis Renault's first accomplishment

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Louis Renault's first accomplishment

9 February 1899

Louis Renault files the patent for the direct drive gearbox.

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Louis Renault files the patent for the direct drive gearbox.

27 August 1899

First Victory of Louis Renault in the Paris-Trouville Race

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First Victory of Louis Renault in the Paris-Trouville Race

10 December 1903

Presentation of Panhard 24 hp chassis - used by Captain Genty

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Presentation of Panhard 24 hp chassis - used by Captain Genty

4 March 1905

Creation of the G7 taxi company launching Renault in mass production

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Creation of the G7 taxi company launching Renault in mass production

1 July 1905

Berliet and the locomotive

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1905

foundation of the French Mechanical and Automotive Company

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foundation of the French Mechanical and Automotive Company

1906

Army vehicle competitions organised by the Automobile Club de France

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Army vehicle competitions organised by the Automobile Club de France

16 February 1908

A Berliet truck crosses Algeria from North to South

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A Berliet truck crosses Algeria from North to South

26 June 1902

MARCEL RENAULT WINS THE PARIS-VIENNA RACE

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MARCEL RENAULT WINS THE PARIS-VIENNA RACE

24 May 1903

Marcel Renault is the victim of a fatal accident

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Marcel Renault is the victim of a fatal accident

26 November 1907

Inauguration of a monument in honour of Émile Levassor

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Inauguration of a monument in honour of Émile Levassor

18 December 1907

Captain Genty’s Panhard armored car arrives in Morocco

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Arrivée au Maroc de la « mitrailleuse automobile » Panhard du capitaine Genty

16 July 1908

The Death of René Panhard

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The Death of René Panhard

24 March 1914

TOTAL TRACTION TRACTOR COMPETITION ORGANIZED BY THE MINISTRY OF THE ARMY

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TOTAL TRACTION TRACTOR COMPETITION ORGANIZED BY THE MINISTRY OF THE ARMY

1 February 1916

Women in the weapons industry

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Women in the weapons industry

7 October 1916

CREATION OF THE COMPANY LE MATÉRIEL ROULANT AT GARCHIZY

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CREATION OF THE COMPANY LE MATÉRIEL ROULANT AT GARCHIZY

30 November 1916

order for 1000 ""light machine gun tanks

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order for 1000 ""light machine gun tanks

30 December 1916

Presentation of a wooden mock-up of the Renault FT 17 tank

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Presentation of a wooden mock-up of the Renault FT 17 tank

14 March 1917

Clandestine testing of the FT tank on a former combat zone

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Underground tests on the FT tank on a former battlefield

31 May 1918

BAPTISM by FIRE OF THE RENAULT FT TANK

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BAPTISM by FIRE OF THE RENAULT FT TANK

6 September 1914

The taxis of the Marne

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The Taxis of the Marne

6 March 1915

Creation of the Portable Weapons Group led by Louis Renault

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Creation of the Portable Weapons Group led by Louis Renault

14 August 1915

THE FIRST CAMOUFLAGE ON THE RENAULT ED

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THE FIRST CAMOUFLAGE ON THE RENAULT ED

21 February 1916

Establishment of the "Sacred Way"

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Establishment of the "Sacred Way"

1 August 1916

The birth of the Renault FT 17 Light Tank

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The birth of the Renault FT 17 Light Tank

15 September 1916

The tanks entered history

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The tanks entered history

23 October 1916

Malmaison Battle

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Malmaison Battle

30 January 1917

Launch of the FT Renault prototype tank

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Launch of the FT Renault prototype tank

6 April 1917

the United States entered the First World War

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the United States entered the First World War

16 April 1917

First engagement of the French Schneider tanks at Berry-au-Bac.

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The first French Schneider tanks enter the war at Berry-au-Bac

11 May 1918

Peace strikes begin at Renault

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Pacifist strikes begin at Renault

13 May 1918

Creation of the 501st regiment of special artillery (RAS)

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Creation of the 501st regiment of special artillery (RAS)

18 July 1918

The Decisive Offensive of Villers-Cotterêts

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The Decisive Offensive of Villers-Cotterêts

2 October 1918

The superiority of tanks was admitted by the German Command

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The superiority of tanks was admitted by the German Command

3 November 1919

the French government authorizes the sale of the Army's surplus

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the French government authorizes the sale of the Army's surplus

13 October 1912

General Lyautey moved around Morocco in an armoured car

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General Lyautey moved around Morocco in an armoured car

20 September 1914

Louis Renault was appointed coordinator of industry in the Seine region

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Louis Renault was appointed coordinator of industry in the Seine region

4 February 1915

Saint Veronica, patron saint of army photographers

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Saint Veronica, patron saint of army photographers

16 August 1915

Saint Roch, Patron Saint of the Dog Units

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Saint Roch, Patron Saint of the Dog Units

30 September 1916

GENERAL ESTIENNE IS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF THE SPECIAL ARTILLERY

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GENERAL ESTIENNE IS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF THE SPECIAL ARTILLERY

12 December 1916

ALBERT THOMAS APPOINTED MINISTER OF MUNITIONS

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ALBERT THOMAS APPOINTED MINISTER OF MUNITIONS

17 April 1917

letter from Louis Renault to Jules Breton, Under Secretary of State for War

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letter from Louis Renault to Jules Breton, Under Secretary of State for War

20 November 1917

Clémenceau’s speech on total war

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Clémenceau’s speech on total war

8 January 1918

Wilson presents his 14 points to the American Congress

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Wilson presents his 14 points to the American Congress

5 October 1918

birth of Paul Berliet

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birth of Paul Berliet

11 April 1922

Launch of the No. 1 Cavalry Automated Weapon Program.

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Launch of the AMC n°1 wheeled cavalry armored car programme

17 December 1922

first Saharan raid on caterpillar tracks sets off

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first Saharan raid on caterpillar tracks sets off

25 January 1924

Saharan Raid Citroën caterpillar tracks versus Renault 6-wheeler

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Saharan Raid Citroën caterpillar tracks versus Renault 6-wheeler

24 July 1920

BATTLE OF THE TANKS AGAINST THE HORSES

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BATTLE OF THE TANKS AGAINST THE HORSES

21 July 1928

Birth of Paul Legueu, Founder of ACMAT

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Birth of Paul Legueu, Founder of ACMAT

21 February 1932

Trucks participate in the Mission des Sables Expedition

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Trucks participate in the Mission des Sables Expedition

26 November 1936

Nationalisation of the Issy les Moulineaux facilities

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Nationalisation of the Issy les Moulineaux facilities

10 July 1937

B1 bis production from July 1937 to June 1940

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B1 bis production from July 1937 to June 1940

1 January 1938

The Renault truck with cab over engine replaced the bonneted cab truck

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The Renault truck with cab over engine replaced the bonneted cab truck

13 November 1930

Berliet trucks participate in rescue operations

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Berliet trucks participate in rescue operations

26 April 1940

RENAULT PRESENTS THE AHN PROTOTYPE

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RENAULT PRESENTS THE AHN PROTOTYPE

23 June 1940

JUNE 1940, END OF SOMUA S 35 PRODUCTION

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JUNE 1940, END OF SOMUA S 35 PRODUCTION

4 April 1943

Bombing of the Renault plant in Billancourt

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Bombing of the Renault plant in Billancourt

8 February 1944

The Royal Air Force bombs the Limoges arsenal

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The Royal Air Force bombs the Limoges arsenal

23 March 1945

Specifications for the EBR armored reconnaissance vehicle

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Specifications for the EBR armored reconnaissance vehicle

29 May 1945

Nationalisation of the Gnome & Rhône company: Limoges changes hands

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Nationalisation of the Gnome & Rhône company: Limoges changes hands

1 September 1948

Vehicles created by Ateliers Legueu de Meaux (ALM)

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Vehicles created by Ateliers Legueu de Meaux (ALM)

26 April 1940

TRANSFORMATION OF RENAULT FT TANKS INTO UNMANNED VEHICLES

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TRANSFORMATION OF RENAULT FT TANKS INTO UNMANNED VEHICLES

14 May 1940

BATTLE OF STONNE (FROM MAY 14TH TO 25TH- 1940)

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BATTLE OF STONNE (FROM MAY 14TH TO 25TH- 1940)

1940

THE BATTLE OF MONTCORNET

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THE BATTLE OF MONTCORNET

15 June 1940

AMD 178 DESTROYED TWO PANZER IV TANKS

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AMD 178 DESTROYED TWO PANZER IV TANKS

19 June 1940

German troops plunder Lyon and Berliet

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German troops plunder Lyon and Berliet

19 June 1940

THE LEGEND OF THE SAUMUR CADETS

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THE LEGEND OF THE SAUMUR CADETS

2 March 1941

Oath of Kufra

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Oath of Kufra

11 November 1942

ENTRY OF THE GERMANS IN THE FACTORY OF LIMOGES

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ENTRY OF THE GERMANS IN THE FACTORY OF LIMOGES

1 December 1942

Creation of Armoured Cavalry Arm (ABC)

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Creation of Armoured Cavalry Arm (ABC)

14 January 1943

OPENING OF THE CASABLANCA CONFERENCE IN MOROCCO

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23 November 1944

French enter in Strasbourg

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French enter in Strasbourg

23 December 1949

The French army adopts the EBR

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The French army adopts the EBR

23 April 1942

and by Saint George, long live the cavalry

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and by Saint George, long live the cavalry

29 September 1942

Saint Gabriel, patron saint of transmitters

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Saint Gabriel, patron saint of transmitters

24 October 1944

Death of Louis Renault

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Death of Louis Renault

8 June 1946

BERLIET FAMILY CONVICTION OVERTURNED IN 1949

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BERLIET FAMILY CONVICTION OVERTURNED IN 1949

1 May 1950

"The ""lazy"" Renault truck proves its value in Africa

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"The ""lazy"" Renault truck proves its value in Africa t » fait ses preuves en Afrique

6 March 1951

Lancement de l'expédition Panhard Capricorne

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Lancement de l'expédition Panhard Capricorne

4 April 1955

Engagement between Citroën and Panhard

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Engagement between Citroën and Panhard

30 June 1957

Laying of the first stone of the Berliet plant at Rouïba in Algeria

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Laying of the first stone of the Berliet plant at Rouïba in Algeria

25 September 1957

Presentation of the largest truck in the world, the Berliet T 100

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"Presentation of the largest truck in the world, the Berliet T 100

February 1958

A desert trial for 6 EBR

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A desert trial for 6 EBR

29 April 1959

Presentation of the Panhard AML light armored

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Presentation of the Panhard AML light armored

8 November 1959

Start of the Berliet Ténéré-Chad mission

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Start of the Berliet Ténéré-Chad mission

23 December 1955

Foundation of the SAVIEM industrial vehicle company

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Foundation of the SAVIEM industrial vehicle company

7 January 1960

Mission accomplished for the Berliet Ténéré Chad raid

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Mission accomplished for the Berliet Ténéré Chad raid

13 July 1960

JULY 13, 1960 : DELIVERY OF THE COPY OF THE BERLIET GBC 8KT TO THE ARMY FOR EVALUATION

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JULY 13, 1960 : DELIVERY OF THE COPY OF THE BERLIET GBC 8KT TO THE ARMY FOR EVALUATION

31 December 1960

Rochet-Schneider taken over by Berliet

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Rochet-Schneider taken over by Berliet

15 January 1961

AN ALM TRUCK ON THE 5TH ALGIERS CENTRAL AFRICA BANGUI RALLY

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AN ALM TRUCK ON THE 5TH ALGIERS CENTRAL AFRICA BANGUI RALLY

27 April 1962

THE FRENCH ARMY BUYS ITS FIRST OVERSEAS COMBAT VEHICLES

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THE FRENCH ARMY BUYS ITS FIRST OVERSEAS COMBAT VEHICLES

28 May 1962

START OF "FENNEC" MISSIONS FOR OVERSEAS COMBAT VEHICLES (VCOM)

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START OF "FENNEC" MISSIONS FOR OVERSEAS COMBAT VEHICLES (VCOM)

25 June 1962

5 VCOMS ASSIGNED TO THE FENNEC MISSION WERE HANDED OVER TO THE DITM IN MARSEILLE

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5 VCOMS ASSIGNED TO THE FENNEC MISSION WERE HANDED OVER TO THE DITM IN MARSEILLE

4 October 1962

49TH ANNUAL PARIS EXHIBITION AT THE PARC DES EXPOSITIONS

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49TH ANNUAL PARIS EXHIBITION AT THE PARC DES EXPOSITIONS

17 April 1964

RELEASE OF FILM GREED IN THE SUN (FRENCH: CENT MILLE DOLLARS AU SOLEIL)

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RELEASE OF FILM GREED IN THE SUN (FRENCH: CENT MILLE DOLLARS AU SOLEIL)

January 1965

Panhard and Citroën fuse

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Panhard and Citroën fuse

1967

Presentation of BL12 at Satory (

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28 January 1966

ACMAT BECOMES A REGISTERED COMPANY

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ACMAT BECOMES A REGISTERED COMPANY

20 July 1967

The Last Panhard Civilian Car Leaves the Factory

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The Last Panhard Civilian Car Leaves the Factory

19 June 1968

END OF THE OCCUPATION OF THE BERLIET GROUP'S LARGEST FACTORY

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END OF THE OCCUPATION OF THE BERLIET GROUP'S LARGEST FACTORY

25 February 1964

Delivery of first VCOM (overseas combat vehicles) to Djibouti

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Delivery of first VCOM (overseas combat vehicles) to Djibouti

May 1968

The trucks were kept very busy...

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The trucks were kept very busy

11 October 1960

PAUL PANHARD RECEIVES THE DIPLOMA "PRESTIGE DE LA FRANCE

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PAUL PANHARD RECEIVES THE DIPLOMA "PRESTIGE DE LA FRANCE

11 November 1967

The SCA celebrate the Saint Martin

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Le Service de Commissariat aux armées fête Saint-Martin

26 March 1969

DEATH OF PAUL PANHARD

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DEATH OF PAUL PANHARD

3 May 1974

THE FRENCH ARMY CHOOSES THE VAB ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER

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THE FRENCH ARMY CHOOSES THE VAB ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER

15 December 1976

"SAND CRUISE" LEAVES PARIS

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"SAND CRUISE" LEAVES PARIS

April 1977

THE SAND CRUISE ARRIVES

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THE SAND CRUISE ARRIVES

13 June 1977

Presentation of the ERC 90 Sagaie at Satory

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Presentation of the ERC 90 Sagaie at Satory

1 September 1977

108 VAB ARE BEING TESTED IN REGIMENTS

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108 VAB ARE BEING TESTED IN REGIMENTS

19 March 1978

UN sets mission of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

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UN sets mission of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

19 May 1978

Kolwezi: AML 60 caught in conflict

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Kolwezi: AML 60 caught in conflict

12 November 1970

The Panhard EBR conveys the body of General de Gaulle

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The Panhard EBR conveys the body of General de Gaulle

21 April 1980

BERLIET AND SAVIEM DISAPPEAR

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BERLIET AND SAVIEM DISAPPEAR

20 January 1981

ACMAT wins the 3rd Paris Dakar rally, in the truck category

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ACMAT wins the 3rd Paris Dakar rally, in the truck category

1 March 1981

Official presentation of the TRM 2000

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Official presentation of the TRM 2000

15 February 1985

The Minister for Defence selects the lightweight armoured vehicle (VBL)

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The Minister for Defence selects the lightweight armoured vehicle

2 July 1986

DELIVERY OF THE 3333RD VAB AT THE SAINT CHAMOND PRODUCTION LINE

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DELIVERY OF THE 3333RD VAB AT THE SAINT CHAMOND PRODUCTION LINE

10 March 1988

Presentation of the VTL RVI G 290

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Presentation of the VTL RVI G 290

November 1989

First agreements announced between Volvo and Renault

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First agreements announced between Volvo and Renault

14 July 1989

First VBL Parade

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VBL parade on the Champs-Elysées (source Panhard)

28 September 1989

Saint Raphaël, Patron du renseignement militaire

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23 February 1990

GROUND PHASE OF THE "DESERT STORM" OFFENSIVE

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GROUND PHASE OF THE "DESERT STORM" OFFENSIVE

29 November 1990

UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 678

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UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION 678

17 January 1991

START OF THE "DESERT STORM" OFFENSE IN KUWAIT

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1992

TRANSPORT OF A VAB COMPANY BY THE RO-RO SHIP SAINTE-BEAUME TO MOGADISHU

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TRANSPORT OF A VAB COMPANY BY THE RO-RO SHIP SAINTE-BEAUME TO MOGADISHU

12 June 1999

The Kosovo Force (KFOR) enters Kosovo

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The Kosovo Force (KFOR) enters Kosovo

15 June 1993

MOUNTAIN TROOPS CELEBRATE SAINT BERNARD DE MENTHON

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MOUNTAIN TROOPS CELEBRATE SAINT BERNARD DE MENTHON

20 April 1996

THE MUSÉE DES BLINDÉS DE SAUMUR OPENS AT ITS CURRENT LOCATION

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THE MUSÉE DES BLINDÉS DE SAUMUR OPENS AT ITS CURRENT LOCATION

6 November 2000

Announcement of the VBCI program

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Announcement of the VBCI program

21 March 2001

ACMAT receives the 2001 quality trophy from the DGA

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ACMAT receives the 2001 quality trophy from the DGA

16 May 2006

RENAULT TRUCKS BUYS ACMAT

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RENAULT TRUCKS BUYS ACMAT

8 July 2009

ARRIVAL OF THE CAPE TO CAPE EXPEDITION

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ARRIVAL OF THE CAPE TO CAPE EXPEDITION

25 March 2009

Delivery of the first Armoured Infantry Combat Vehicles (VBCI)

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2 January 2011

BMX 01 is chosen by the DGA

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BMX 01 is chosen by the DGA

25 October 2012

Renault Trucks Defense acquires Panhard General Defense

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11 December 2014

RTD TAKES OVER THE GARCHIZY FACILITY IN NIÈVRE

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RTD TAKES OVER THE GARCHIZY FACILITY IN NIÈVRE

30 October 2015

THE VAB ULTIMA IS APPROVED BY THE DGA

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THE VAB ULTIMA IS APPROVED BY THE DGA

19 October 2016

40th anniversary of the VAB

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40th anniversary of the VAB

4 September 2017

Les premiers prototypes du VT4 sont présentés à la DGA

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22 February 2010

Launch of Scorpion programme by the Minister of Defence

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11 January 2013

Start of operation Serval

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13 January 2013

ARRIVAL OF THE ARMORED VEHICLES OF THE SERVAL OPERATION

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27 February 2013

THE DAY THE TRM10000 REPLACED THE VAB

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THE DAY THE TRM10000 REPLACED THE VAB

24 June 2013

netero operation

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netero operation

1 July 2013

MINUSMA BEGINS OPERATIONS

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MINUSMA BEGINS OPERATIONS

31 August 2013

Dragon Operation

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Dragon Operation

September 2013

Land-side logistics assement for Operation Serval in September 2013

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Bilan logistique terrestre de l'opération Serval à Septembre 2013

3 August 2014

Start of Operation Barkhane

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Start of Operation Barkhane

22 August 2014

The VAB saved our lives

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31 December 2014

End of the Pamir operation in Afghanistan

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2015

Start of an armored vehicle raid during Operation Barkhane

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Start of an armored vehicle raid during Operation Barkhane

7 August 2012

THE DEATH OF PAUL BERLIET

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THE DEATH OF PAUL BERLIET

8 December 2016

FRENCH DEFENCE MINISTER JEAN-YVES LE DRIAN VISITS GARCHIZY

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French defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian visits Garchizy