Lorraine Dietrich

Société Lorraine des Anciens Etablissments de Dietrich and Cie was founded by Jean de Dietrich, in 1684. Starting as a railway locomotive manufacturer, the company diversified into the automobile industry in 1896 with plants in Niederbronn-les-Bains, Alsace and in Lunéville, Lorraine.  In  1904 Niederbronn abandoned the automobiles industry selling the business and the name Dietrich. The Lunéville plant pursued with car building and put the Lorraine’s cross on their vehicles to distinguish them from Dietrich. In 1908 the company changed its name to Lorraine-Dietrich. In 1928 the de Dietrich family having sold its share, the company became simply known as Lorraine. Lorraine-Dietrich was a prestigious brand, both as touring and racing cars. It was the first automobile builder to win in the 24 Hours of  Le Mans in two consecutive years (1925 and 1926). Lorraine discontinued car building in 1935 shifting to rail locomotive manufacture.