Renault accused of emission fraud, denies foul play

Renault has been accused of falsifying emission test data of its cars for the past 25 years. These accusations came to light through a report published in a French newspaper - Liberation, which mentioned excerpts of an investigation report by the French anti-fraud agency DGCCRF (Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Prevention).

The said report hasn’t been made public yet. However, the released excerpts published in the French daily suggest that two Renault cars - Captur and Clio, were found to be producing emissions that were way over the prescribed limit. While emissions from the Captur were found to be 377% more than the legal limit, the Clio hatchback recorded emission readings that were 305% over the limit.

These exorbitant emission figures have pointed towards the possibility of a defeat device that was used in the cars to reduce emissions during test conditions, in order to fraudulently pass emission norms. The investigation report suggests that the fraudulent device was used to modify engine performance in test conditions to limit the emission of NOx (Nitrogen Oxide) gases.

While the published excerpts mention only the two aforementioned model names, it alleges that Renault has been using such defeat devices for more than 25 years, starting from the first-gen Clio hatchback that was introduced in 1990. Another shocking revelation made by the investigation report claims that the entire company hierarchy, including former CEO - Carlos Ghosn, was aware of the usage of this device.

After these accusations came to light, Renault revealed an official statement denying any foul play on its side. The statement goes on to claim that none of its vehicles is equipped with any cheat devices that can affect anti-pollution systems.

Source: RT