Renault suspends three executives suspected of espionage

Three executives have been suspended by French carmaker Renault, with suspicions of industrial espionage falling upon them. According to an investigation that has been running for several months, these three executives were passing information on the brand’s electric vehicle program.

The suspension has been confirmed by a Renault spokeswoman but declined to give further details on the causes for the suspensions.

A Reuters source close to the company said: “It involves people who were caught red-handed for industrial espionage. It's a matter that has lasted several months already.” According to this source the three people involved were senior executives, one of whom was on the company's management committee.

"Renault is a victim in this story. The group is a bit worried about its electric vehicle (EV) programme - it hopes that its leadership in this technology won't be threatened," the source said.

Together with Nissan, Renault is a major player in the EV technology market. The brand Alliance is jointly investing 4 billion euros in their flagship EV programmes.