Renault, Japanese partner Nissan, and rival manufacturer Fiat Chrysler led European car sales higher in May, according to industry data published yesterday, but the overall pace of the market recovery slowed.

JUST when car-makers thought it safe to roll out new models in the wake of the economic crisis — 170 premiers are advertised for the Geneva Auto Show opening this week — a spike in fuel prices has cast a new shadow over the industry and redoubled attention on green technologies.

French car giant Peugeot Citroen today became the latest manufacturer to recall some of its models under a “precautionary” move announced today.