The Renault 12 was launched at the 1969 Paris Motor Show and it was an important step forward for the French car-maker.
It was a very successful car, manufactured and sold around the globe.

The aged Renault 8 and 10 needed a replacement for a family car. The Renault 16 was successful with its front-wheel-drive and front-engine architecture, while the Renault 8 and 10 with everything in the back were struggling. The Renault 12 was the right answer and it featured a better solution for the drivetrain. It was manufactured in France, Argentina, Turkey, and Romania. The later produced the car until 2004.

With the new, landscape-type headlights from the Renault 16 and classic three-box design, the Renault 12 was a simple car that offered enough room for a family and enough trunk space. It was also available in station-wagon form.

Inside, the car featured only a ventilation system and a simple, three-round dials design for the instrument cluster. Depending on the trim level, it was available with or without an armrest for the rear passengers.

Under the hood, there was a 1.3-liter engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. For other markets, the Renault 12 received also a 1.4- and a 1.6-liter engine, which was a carry-over from the Renault 16. The front independent suspension and a rear rigid axle was a fair balance between price and comfort.