Auto giant Renault on Thursday revealed that three of its managers engaged in industrial espionage which prompted French officials to declare an economic war against the nation, Radio France Internationale (RFI) reported.The automaker said that its strategic, intellectual and technological assets were the target of espionage as three manager leaked company secrets. The three officials were later suspended.
Renault senior vice president Christian Husson said that the espionage case was a very serious incident that involved three persons in a particularly strategic position in the company.
Following the announcement, French Industry Minister Eric Besson said that France has become the target of an economic war as Renault and its Japanese partner Nissan are set to launch several electric car models by 2014. "The expression 'economic war', while sometimes outrageous, for once is appropriate," said Minister Besson, according to RFI. "The Renault case appears to concern the electric car, but I do not want to go further."
The revelation came as other top vehicle manufacturing companies will participate in this month's Detroit Motor Show. Renault said that the espionage case involved other automakers but refused to give further details.
Other companies, including Renault's French competitor Citroen, will display their electric vehicles at the Detroit Motor Show. Citroen is presenting the C-Zero; Peugeot the iON; Germany's Mercedes-Benz will show an electric smart car, the Fortwo ED; Mitsubishi of Japan, the iMiEV and Toyota the Prius Plug-in.
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