Hotchkiss was a French automobile manufacturer that produced cars from 1903 until 1955. Originally an arms manufacturer, the company manufactured many components for other French automobile manufacturers, and upon developing their first engine in 1903, they made their own foray in automobiles. Hotchkiss production had notable pauses due to the first and second world wars, yet the company was still able to produce notable models such as the AM2 and the 686. In 1954, Hotchkiss merged with Delahaye, becoming Société Hotchkiss-Delahaye.