Audibert-Lavirotte (France) - AllCarIndex

Audibert-Lavirotte was a French automobile manufacturer active from 1896 to 1902, based in Lyon. The company was founded by Maurice Audibert and Emile Lavirotte, who initially worked in the silk industry before transitioning to automobile production. Their early vehicles were among the first petrol cars produced in Lyon and were heavily influenced by the designs of Karl Benz.

The company began operations under the name Sfe des Voitures Audibert et Lavirotte in 1896, later changing to SA des Anciens Etablissements Audibert et Lavirotte in 1898. Initially, production was limited and tailored to customer demand. By 1898, the company had expanded its offerings to seven different models, ranging from a small two-seater to a larger enclosed four-seater coupé.

By 1899, Audibert-Lavirotte introduced front-mounted engines, three-speed gearboxes, and chain final drives. The lineup included models with power outputs of 7, 12, 16, and 32 horsepower, with the most powerful being a four-cylinder racing car capable of reaching speeds of 50 mph (80 km/h). The company produced approximately 50 vehicles annually during its peak years of 1899 and 1900, totaling over 150 cars before the partnership dissolved. Following the split, Audibert took a position at another Lyon-based firm, Rochet-Schneider, while Lavirotte partnered with Marius Berliet, providing him with the Audibert-Lavirotte factory.