Renault 'sued over self-starting car'

A FRENCH family is suing Renault for €70,000 in damages after claiming their parked car started up by itself and plunged down a steep embankment with their eight-year-old daughter still on-board.

The incident happened at La Plagne, Savoie, in July this year. In a letter to Renault, the driver says he immobilised his new Renault Espace 5 in a parking space, applied the brake and took out the key card as he left the vehicle to help his children get out.

It is claimed that the car's ignition then restarted, and the vehicle moved forward, climbing a small incline before falling down an embankment on the other side.

France Inter reports that Renault's tests on the vehicle show no obvious sign of a malfunction. Dissatisfied with the response, the family have begun formal legal proceedings and a first court hearing is due in mid-February.

They are seeking €70,000 - representing the cost of the new vehicle plus damages - and also want Renault to recall all similar vehicles for safety checks.
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