Le Mans : An automobile economy

Internationally famous for its 24-hour race, the Le Mans has developed an economy orientated twards the motor car, it was here that the first road going steam carriage “l’Obéissante” was manufactured in 1873 by Amédée Bollée. In addition to the Renault factory, established in 1936, a cluster of sub-contractors and companies related to the motor car and motor sport has developed, including the “Technoparc”, the home of teams such as OAK Racing and Pescarolo Team

With a population of about 140,000 people, Le Mans has the 20th most highest populated of French cities. After a period of growth, the town began to decline with de-industrialization, but that trend reversed, and the arrival of the TGV (high speed train) and the autoroute, helped position Le Mans as the hub between the UK and Spain, enhancing its attractiveness to industry. The British, who are lovers of beautiful cars and sports cars in particular, travel to the city in large numbers during the week of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The automotive sector is the second largest employer (after agriculture and food), in the Le Mans region. Some companies are grouped within the Technoparc that is located within the 24 hours circuit. These include the l’Institut Automobile du Mans, an association responsible for promoting and developing automobile businesses, and a racing acadamy created with the support of National Education and the FFSA Auto Sport Academy (a the descendant of the 'la Filière ELF', which produced local hero Sebastien Bourdais, as well as Romain Dumas, Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Fässler, three winners of the Le Mans 24 Hours.)

It is the headquarters of car insurers “Mutuelles du Mans” (MMA) of course, but also of Groupama and MAAF for example. The call centre for Mondial Assistance has also taken up residence in the city. Perhaps helping a few of the 200,000 visitors of the 24 Hours of Le Mans each year.

The endurance racing classic gives a boost to the local economy. Spectators from around the world spend a festive week in the city. The municipality has not ignored that fact, and is 'twinned' with places as diverse as Suzuka in Japan (home of the famous racing circuit), Paderborn in Germany and Bolton in England (coincidentally, also twinned with Paderborn).

Dave Davies

Photo: Le Mans (Sarthe, FRANCE) LE MANS 24 HOURS, Sunday, June 5, 2011, SCRUTINEERING. Pescarolo Team is located at Technoparc in Le Mans.