The CRS find that their vans break down too often, Renault called to the rescue

This should give Renault publicity… during the demonstrations. As revealed by the online media La Lettre, the Ministry of the Interior has decided to turn to the French automobile manufacturer to supply the CRS units with reconnaissance vehicles, and more precisely with Master model vans. A decision unveiled by the government on October 20, in the midst of a debate on the management of urban violence. The diamond brand will come to the rescue to replace Ducato from Fiat (part of the Stellantis group). Indeed, the Italian brand's vehicles have suffered from repeated breakdowns.

The CRS vehicle fleet included 625 Fiat Ducato reconnaissance vehicles, in September 2026, according to government figures. “Since January 1, 2026, 350 serious mechanical breakdowns have been recorded” on these same vans, indicates the Ministry of the Interior in a response to a written question from MP Sophie Blanc (RN). In August, the elected official had effectively pointed out the “repeated failures” of the Ducato, relying on the testimonies of the CRS. For its part, the government estimates the unavailability rate at 12% on these vehicles. Difficulties particularly linked to “a problem with the depollution system (adblue / particle filter)”.

Breakdowns complicate CRS missions

This rate of unavailability is high enough for the Ministry of the Interior to speak of “chronic dysfunctions hampering the operational capacity of CRS units”. The elected RN had for her part mentioned multiple unfortunate consequences for the police officers on mission: delays in relief, obligation to reorganize trips, risk of breakdown during a trip... “In a context where mobile forces are in high demand throughout the territory, the reliability of vehicles constitutes a major public security issue,” argued Sophie Blanc.