Earlier this week French investigators of the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Prevention (DGCCRF) have put Renault under suspicion of using emission-cheating devices in the Clio and Captur.
This suspicion arose when Renault’s tested emission figures were proven to be far less than the results the DGCCRF achieved in their private testing facility. The CO2 emissions of the Captur and Clio were said to be 377% and 305% over the emissions limit respectively.
“These results make it possible to suspect a fraudulent device that specifically modifies the operation of the engine to reduce emissions of NOx”, the DGCCRF declared. This is exactly the same accusations Volkswagen admitted to at the beginning of its diesel emissions scandal.
Unlike Volkswagen, however the cheat device is said to be in the form of hardware and not software. The DGCCRF also claims to have sourced emails sent within the company which declares that the executives were aware of the alleged cheating.
If the scandal turns out to be true it is said that 900 000 vehicles could be affected and the French manufacturer could face a €3,5 billion fine. A judicial inquiry regarding this case is currently underway.
Renault has issued a response to these allegations and claims that they are all false.
“Renault vehicles are not equipped with cheating software affecting anti-pollution systems.” It confirmed in a statement.
“Renault will prove its compliance with the regulations and reserves its explanations for the Judges in charge of investigating this case.”
