The 1950s and 1960s, marked by strong economic growth, benefited the road network, which literally boomed. In the face of this situation, the SNCF joined forces with other European rail companies to compete with the car. Fast, modern, and comfortable trains, aimed at a business clientele, began to criss-cross Europe: the Trans-Europ-Express. The TEEs were fast and only ran during the day. There were only first class’ seats, and the catering on board was of good quality. Inaugurated in 1957, the TEE disappeared 30 years later, supplanted by InterCity trains and TGVs.