Renault is cutting 15,000 jobs worldwide as part of a €2bn (£1.8bn) cost-cutting plan after seeing sales plunge because of the virus pandemic.

“This plan is essential,” said interim boss Clotilde Delbos, who announced a bigger focus on electric cars and vans.

Some 4,600 jobs will go in France, and Renault has said six plants are under review for possible cuts and closure.

Renault played down reports it could move some production to the UK plant run by its strategic partner Nissan.

“You shouldn’t believe everything you read in the newspapers,” Ms Delbos said. “All you’ve seen in the newspapers are but rumours.”(BBC news)