In 1942 the manufacture of the Messerschmitt Bf 108 was transferred to SNCAN (usually known as Nord) at Les Mureaux in occupied France.

The type was then re-engined with a 233 hp (174 kW) Renault 6Q-11 six-cylinder inline engine and was designated the Nord 1001 Pingouin I.

A further update followed with a Renault 6Q-10 powered variant which was designated the Nord 1002 Pingouin II.

Total production was 286[1] with the majority used as communications and liaison aircraft with the French armed forces.

The Pingouin was a low-wing cantilever monoplane with a braced trimmable horizontal tail surface with elevators, and a single fin and rudder.