According to Agence France Presse (AFP), the grandchildren of Louis Renault, founder of Renault, have taken the French state to court demanding for the return of the automaker, which was nationalized in 1945 after their grandfather was branded a Nazi collaborator.

At that time, the company founded by Louis and his brothers in 1898 was actually controlled by the Nazis - who took over after France got occupied by the German Army during World War II - and was used to manufacture equipment for the German soldiers. Louis Renault died right after the Allied Forces liberated Paris and could be prosecuted for collaboration. The company was then taken into state control, with the French government that is still today the biggest single shareholder with a 15% stake of Renault.

AFP reports that the seven grandchildren of Louis decided to take legal action against the French state after a new legal rule was issued, allowing plaintiffs to challenge the constitutionality of legislation. Renault refused to comment on the litigation, whereas Thierry Levy, the lawyer who represents the heirs, said that the nationalization is in violation of his clients’ fundamental legal and property rights”, and that his clients deserve compensation. The court is expected to give a verdict on January 11.

via | Automotive News Europe

(no votes)

0 comments