... and a French flop

Renault faced mass walkouts over job cuts seven years ago, suffered years of losses and was forced to agree a new deal with most of its powerful unions two years ago.

The agreement saw pay frozen, 7,500 job cuts and an increase to the working week.

In return, Renault promised to increase output in France. It has continued to slash costs but is heavily reliant on the leaner Nissan operation to help its finances.

Last year Nissan contributed £1.12billion to Renault’s £1.36billion net income.