China denies car spy claims
Source: Agencies |
January 12, 2011, Wednesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA has denied any link to the industrial espionage scandal at French carmaker Renault, dismissing reports of its possible involvement as "baseless."
A French government source said last week a possible Chinese connection was being explored but had not been substantiated, after Renault suspended three executives suspected of leaking information on its electric vehicle program.
"We have noticed the reports," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular news briefing. "We think that some people saying that China is behind this case is totally baseless and irresponsible."
French government spokesman Francois Baroin said France was not accusing any country of involvement. "There is no official accusation by France and the French government toward any country today. An inquiry is under way," Baroin told Europe 1 radio yesterday. "Renault, like others, is the victim of a war of economic intelligence."
A senior employee at Renault yesterday denied any involvement in industrial espionage after allegations that three executives leaked green car technology secrets.
"Renault is bringing very serious accusations against me, which I deny totally," Michel Balthazard, one of the suspended employees, said after a meeting with Renault management. Balthazard, who is vice-president of advanced engineering at Renault, said the company had not yet made any decision about whether to fire him.
Renault, which has said it is studying all legal options and will probably press charges, was due to meet all of the suspended employees later yesterday.
The electric vehicle program is a key plank of Renault's strategy. Together with Japanese partner Nissan, it is investing billions of euros in the project. Renault is set to launch its first electric cars this year.
A French government source said last week a possible Chinese connection was being explored but had not been substantiated, after Renault suspended three executives suspected of leaking information on its electric vehicle program.
"We have noticed the reports," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a regular news briefing. "We think that some people saying that China is behind this case is totally baseless and irresponsible."
French government spokesman Francois Baroin said France was not accusing any country of involvement. "There is no official accusation by France and the French government toward any country today. An inquiry is under way," Baroin told Europe 1 radio yesterday. "Renault, like others, is the victim of a war of economic intelligence."
A senior employee at Renault yesterday denied any involvement in industrial espionage after allegations that three executives leaked green car technology secrets.
"Renault is bringing very serious accusations against me, which I deny totally," Michel Balthazard, one of the suspended employees, said after a meeting with Renault management. Balthazard, who is vice-president of advanced engineering at Renault, said the company had not yet made any decision about whether to fire him.
Renault, which has said it is studying all legal options and will probably press charges, was due to meet all of the suspended employees later yesterday.
The electric vehicle program is a key plank of Renault's strategy. Together with Japanese partner Nissan, it is investing billions of euros in the project. Renault is set to launch its first electric cars this year.
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