General Motors CEO Dan Akerson says he says “empathy” with fellow-automaker Renault concerning last week’s furore that saw high-level French politicians refer to “industrial espionage” following the French manufacturer’s suspension of three senior executives.
Widespread French media speculation pointed to electric vehicles as being at the heart of the matter, but despite the affair, which at one point suggested the involvement of French secret services, embattled Renault received some support from the GM chief.
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“I have empathy for what Renault found,” Akerson said on the eve of the Detroit show.
“We have 200,000 employees – we don’t know of any individual. All you need is one person to make you look foolish, but we would not tolerate that behaviour.”
Widespread speculation in France has hinted at some Chinese involvement, although nothing concrete has been established and that electric vehicles are motive for the situation.
French industry minister Eric Besson took the matter up personally last week, noting: “The one thing I can say, is the matter appears serious, that it illustrates once more the risks for our businesses in industrial espionage matters, in economic intelligence matters.
“So, at this stage, the only thing I can say, is that yes, unfortunately, the matter seems serious.” Besson also refered to “economic war,” but was not more forthcoming.
Responding to a separate question, Akerson also insisted he was not at General Motors for the short term.
“I hope I don’t project that I am a caretaker manager,” he said.
