Topic: Renault

Russia has relaunched the Soviet-era Moskvich car brand at a former Renault plant in Moscow that was sold to the state for a single ruble. The new Moskvich 3 appears to be a rebadged version of the Chinese JAC Sehul X4, highlighting Russia's pivot to Eastern partners following the exit of Western automakers like Nissan and Toyota. The plant aims to produce 100,000 vehicles annually, including electric models.

A video of a Renault electric car running out of power demonstrated that the vehicle's high-tech systems can lock passengers inside once the battery dies. This safety concern is compounded by reports of a Tesla Model X battery exploding and destroying nearby vehicles. Drivers of electric cars are advised to carry emergency hammers to break windows in the event of a power failure or fire.

Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn executed a dramatic escape from house arrest in Japan, traveling via private jet through Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon. While media focused on rumors of him hiding in a cello case, the hosts suggest the Japanese government may have allowed him to leave to avoid an embarrassing trial regarding the failed Nissan-Renault merger and internal corporate corruption.

Google has partnered with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance to integrate Android-based systems into millions of vehicles. The move aims to provide drivers with seamless connectivity and voice-activated features like Google Assistant. The hosts express concern over the "Matrix-like" constant connection and the potential for data privacy and cybersecurity breaches in the automotive industry.

Amsterdam is seeing a high density of Tesla vehicles due to government incentives that provide free charging stations and subsidized electricity for residents. While there is a five-year waiting list for standard parking, electric vehicle owners receive priority infrastructure. The hosts critique the practicality of the Tesla Model S and Model X for narrow European streets compared to smaller models like the Renault or Peugeot.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the March 5, 2009, episode of No Agenda from their respective locations in London and Silicon Valley. Curry describes driving a Renault Twingo from France through the Eurotunnel to London, noting the tunnel's recent reopening following a fire. The hosts discuss the financial state of the Eurotunnel and new UK laws prohibiting photography in certain public spaces.

Curry describes driving a Renault Twingo with a 1.2-liter engine and compares it to his previous experience owning a convertible Smart Car in Amsterdam. The conversation covers the practicality of small European cars, including the ability to park them head-first in cities like Paris.