Espionage, the French Secret Service, advanced technology and billions of Euro. This may sound like a plot for a spy novel, but are in fact key elements in events that have allegedly been taking place in the corridors of one of the worlds leading carmakers.

    Renault has asked French authorities, including its secret service, to investigate a suspected case of industrial espionage and has filed a criminal complaint "against persons unknown", accusing them of espionage, corruption, breach of trust, theft and concealment. In a linked move, it has also dismissed three senor executives, all three of whom have denied any wrong doing and one of which has now threatened to sue the car company.

    Media speculation is that a foreign rival is behind the underhand dealings, which are thought to centre on the details of Renault's latest battery technology. The stakes are certainly high, as to date Renault and its partner Nissan, have invested some €2bn in electric car development.