Renault chief Carlos Ghosn sorry over spying allegations

Carlos Ghosn told French television on Monday night that he had also rejected an offer of resignation from his number two, chief operating officer Patrick Pélata.

The company has had to apologise to the three executives it sacked over claims they sold electric car technology after the allegations were dismissed by a French prosecutor.

The spying allegations sparked a diplomatic incident when the French government warned the country was the victim of "economic warfare" and China was linked to the scandal. However, prosecutors found that claims the three Renault workers were receiving secret payments through bank accounts in Switzerland and Liechtenstein were false.

Renault, which is believed to have spent €310,000 (£268,000) on the investigation, is now pressing fraud charges against security managers believed to have presented the spying information.

Paris prosecutor Jean-Claude Marin said: "We are looking at possible fraud. It seems that Renault was perhaps not the victim of indelicate employees but of possible confidence tricksters."

In a statement yesterday, the car maker said: "Carlos Ghosn, chairman and chief executive officer, and Patrick Pelata, chief operating officer, present their sincere apologies and regrets, personally and in the name of Renault, to Messrs Balthazard, Rochette and Tenenbaum, who were wrongly accused in this affair.

"They are committed that reparations be made to the three executives, and that their honour in the public eye be restored. They further acknowledge the serious personal harm that they and their families have suffered. Carlos Ghosn and Patrick Pélata will personally meet with Messrs Balthazard, Rochette and Tenenbaum as soon as possible."

Following an extraordinary board meeting on Monday, Mr Ghosn appeared on national television and said Renault will review its security procedures in light of the debacle. The Renault boss and Mr Pelata will not take their bonus for last year or stock options for 2011.