Renault has secured a deal to supply the French Gendarmerie Nationale with its Megane RS vehicle.
Although the number of RS patrol cars is as yet unknown, a source close to the Gendarmerie Nationale in Paris confirmed to just-auto the deal had been agreed, subject to ministerial approval.
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The news represents a brief respite for Renault as it endures a torrid time in the alleged industrial espionage case currently gripping France.
“Once the [ministerial] presentation will happen, the first Megane could arrive in March perhaps,” said the Paris source. “There was a competition with several constructors [before] the choice was made.”
Speculation has centred on the Force replacing its existing fleet with up to 70 Megane RS vehicles, but this is as yet unconfirmed.
French motorways remain an excellent way to traverse the large area of France quickly – although at a price with the ‘peage’ system of motorway tolls not exactly coming cheap.
The autoroutes are generally uncrowded and it is tempting to step on the gas to take advantage of the comprehensive network.
Adoption of the RS brand by the Gendarmerie Nationale, should add a powerful vehicle to its armoury however, to deter the speedsters.
It’s a common sight to see motorists – Brits especially – putting their foot down in northern France in a desperate bid to make the ferry or shuttle crossings. They may want to watch out for a few RS cars in police colours patrolling the northern autoroutes.
