...hmm ok, inspired by my sh*t answer I decided to look into it a little. I think the name "la regie" is short for "Regie Nationale des Usines", which is to Renault what "AB Volvo" is to "Volvo". Renault is just a nicer name, I mean, can you imagine "Regiesport 172"?!
...according to babelfish.altavista.com "Regie Nationale des Usines" means...
"National Regie of the Factories"
...can anyone inform us as to what a Regie is in france?!
..the plot thickens!