Renault to stand trial in France over Dieselgate emissions scandal

Renault will stand trial in Paris on charges of aggravated deception related to its diesel vehicles. The automaker is accused of equipping certain diesel cars with a "defeat device" designed to meet homologation standards during testing while emitting pollutants above legal limits in real-world conditions. This development makes Renault the second major car manufacturer, following Volkswagen, to face criminal prosecution in France over the "Dieselgate" emissions scandal.

The public prosecutor's office requested the trial, a decision that aligns with their June 2025 recommendations. The charges stem from suspicions that vehicles sold between 2009 and 2017, compliant with Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards, were "specially calibrated." This calibration allegedly allowed them to pass regulatory tests but not to adhere to emission limits during normal operation. The alleged deception is considered aggravated due to the potential contribution to air pollution and respiratory illnesses from excess nitrogen oxide emissions.

While the prosecution has been ordered, the final decision on whether Peugeot-Citroën and Fiat Chrysler will also face trial rests with the investigating judge. The trial for Renault is not expected to commence for some time, with a procedural hearing to set dates scheduled for April 1, 2027. The investigation into emissions fraud has cast a shadow over several automotive manufacturers in France.

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Renault is suspected of aggravated deception for having equipped certain diesel vehicles with a device that allowed them to meet homologation standards while exceeding emission limits in real conditions.