Renault executive denies links to spy scandal

11/01/11 19:04 CET

world news

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One of the three executives suspended by French car giant Renault on suspicion of spying has denied any wrongdoing.

Despite being accused of selling secrets in one of Renault-Nissan’s electric car projects, Michel Balthazard insisted he had nothing to do with the scandal.

‘‘Renault has made some very serious allegations against me, which I completely deny. They have stated things as facts, which I completely deny. Completely! I consider it to be a serious attack on my dignity and my integrity, and so I have only one goal, and that’s to make people realise this affair has nothing to do with me,’‘ Suspended Renault executive Michel Balthazard said.

China has also angrily denied any links to the industrial espionage affair with Beijing’s foreign ministry saying such accusations were utterly baseless. French government sources were quoted as saying there was a possible Chinese connection.

Paris, however, has insisted it has not pointed the finger at any individual country, in a case it has described as ‘economic warfare.’

More about: China, Electric cars, Renault

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