A startrescue.co.uk story...

There are some organisations that you don't expect to arrive late: for example the police, ambulance, fire brigade - and of course your car breakdown cover provider. But a very late attempt by the heirs of Renault's founder, Louis Renault, to gain compensation for the re-nationalisation of the firm following World War Two has been made in a French Court.

Renault was re-nationalised in 1945 following the death of Louis Renault, who had been imprisoned for allegedly collaborating with the Nazis - although crucially he never saw trial. Thierry Levy, Lawyer for the grandchildren of Louis Renault, states the 'legal and property rights' of the founder were violated, and told the Court that his grandchildren deserved compensation. He also stated that no other case of a firm being re-nationalised has ever occurred without compensation or a ruling of some sort.

Despite 67 years passing since the firm was re-nationalised, the French Government still retain the largest share of the company, presently at 15%.

Allegations of Renault's collaboration with the Nazis arose due to the fact that Renault's factories were placed under German control and used to make equipment for the German military.

Although this attempt to gain compensation seems a little late, the family made a similar claim in 1959.

If the French Court hearing the case does not make a decision, it will be referred to France's highest Court.