About Unic
Unic was a French car manufacturer firm founded by Georges Richard in 1906 after having left Richard-Brasier. Société anonyme des automobiles UNIC was established in Puteaux with two-cylinder and four-cylinder models. The 1943 cm³ 12 CV (9 kW) four-cylinder model (used mainly as a taxi) was extremely successful and survived in production for nearly 20 years. (The engine was enlarged later to 2120 cm³.) During World War I, taxis made by the company participated in Marne operation. After WW I, a new four-cylinder (1847 cm³) was offered, along with the taxis.
Truck production started in that era. During the 1920's, a 1997cc sports model was marketed and in some models sleeve valve engines were used. Georges Richard died in 1922. In the 1930's, there were two eight-cylinder models. Passenger car production ceased in 1938.
History
In 1952, the firm was taken over by Simca, headed by Henri Pigozzi, who wanted a commercial vehicle production unit. Trucks of this period are commonly referred to as Unic-Simca trucks.
In 1956 the French arm of the Swiss truck manufacturer Saurer was taken over.