Donald Trump Renounces the Plan to Tax the Renault Fuego at 25%

Plot twist across the Atlantic, American President Donald Trump has finally decided to abandon his plan for a 25% tax on the import of the Renault Fuego to the United States.

Good news for lovers of beautiful machinery, but a decision by Donald Trump that ultimately surprises us very little since this model has been out of the catalog for more than 30 years.

Launched in 1980, the Renault Fuego was a daring attempt by the French manufacturer to attract enthusiasts of sporty coupes. Designed by Michel Jardin under the direction of Robert Opron, the car was conceived as a modern evolution of the Renault 17. Offered with various engines, including a 2.2-liter in the later years, it marked its era with aerodynamic styling and innovative features, such as the first infrared remote control for central locking.

The Fuego had a decent career in Europe and Latin America but struggled more to establish itself in the United States. Imported by American Motors Corporation (AMC), it was sold there until 1985, facing strict pollution regulations and fierce competition. Today, it enjoys cult status among some enthusiasts but remains a rarity on American soil.

A Reversal Under Pressure

The French hot hatch’s salvation came from a strong intervention by FBI agents Bullit and Ripper. These passionate advocates for the Fuego reportedly immediately lobbied against this measure, emphasizing that this model with exhilarating performance and optimal agility for their rugged interventions deserved to be preserved. Their report, detailing the nearly zero impact of the car on the national economy and its potential contribution to law enforcement agencies, is said to have convinced Trump to back off. “I listened to the real patriots, and honestly, this Fuego is pretty cool,” he supposedly declared. A disappointing turn of events that delights us.

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