Renault now faces a criminal investigation over its diesel emissions.
The French government said that the country’s consumer fraud watchdog had sent prosecutors the findings of its independent inquiry into possible emissions test manipulation by Renault.
The law in France means there has to now be a preliminary review of the issues before a formal prosecution begins and which could lead to the company being cleared, fined or possibly seeing executives jailed.
The consumer report is also said to be looking at other car makers selling models in France after Opel and Fiat told investigators it was working within the emissions’ legislation which allows for some gases to be higher than necessary to pass the test if there is a possibility of engine damage.
