Automoto (France) - AllCarIndex

Automoto was a French automobile manufacturer that operated from 1901 to 1907. The company was established by Chavanet, Gros, Picard et Cie in Saint-Étienne, France. Initially, Automoto focused on motorcycle production before transitioning to automobile manufacturing. Their first vehicle was a light voiturette, which bore a resemblance to the De Dion Bouton. This early model featured vis-à-vis seating, tiller steering, and a tubular frame, powered by two 2-horsepower air-cooled engines that drove the rear axle through a 2-speed gearbox.

In 1902, Automoto began offering its vehicles in England in kit form for £97 10 shillings. As the company evolved, it introduced more powerful models equipped with 4-cylinder engines, offering outputs of 12, 20, 30, and 40 horsepower. These later models featured front-mounted engines positioned behind Mercedes-type radiators and utilized a double-chain final drive system. Notably, the 1904 model produced 24 horsepower with a displacement of 5.7 liters, while the largest model available in 1907, the 40/45 horsepower variant, exceeded 7 liters in capacity. From 1904 onwards, Automoto vehicles were marketed in England under the name "Automotor." The company also produced a model known as the SVELTE during its operational years.