November 29th, 2016 by James Ayre The French government may still end up banning the sale of new diesel cars in the country following the completion of its criminal investigations into the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal and recent news concerning Renault, according to the country’s Environment Minister Segolene Royal. Initial findings in the latter case — Renault’s possible use of illegal engine software — are due next month, the Environment Minister also revealed. Royal stated: “We will be asking the consumer scams investigators and prosecutors to communicate any findings that will allow us to establish whether it’s required to withdraw sales authorizations.” Speed Lux provides some more information: “Following Volkswagen’s exposure for using software to cheat US tests, Renault and others have brought in analysis for their own use of ‘defeat devices’ that reduce the effectiveness of innovation to filter poisonous nitrogen oxides (NOx) from exhaust. A Renault representative refused to comment.” Continuing: “Volkswagen and Renault face French criminal investigations based on suspicions outlined to prosecutors by the DGCCRF customer fraud agency that they had broken emissions regulations. Public energy research firm IFPEN is still taking a look at Renault engine software. … Numerous automakers consisting of Renault, Opel and Fiat use engine software application to minimize the efficiency of their anti-NOx technology outside specific conditions and temperature level ranges. Specialist opinions differ regarding whether such software is legal under EU law, which enables defeat gadgets when deemed essential to safeguard the engine.” Considering that the diesel car push of the last decade in Europe has been exposed as a scam, if the French government does move to ban Volkswagen and Renault from selling diesel cars in the country, it will be an interesting move. Especially considering the rapid approach of major elections in the country — ones which look likely to be fairly close and could result in the country’s withdrawal from the European Union (and the Union’s subsequent dissolution). Photo by M 93 (some rights reserved) Tags: diesel emissions, diesel emissions scandal, France, renault, volkswagen, Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal James Ayre 's background is predominantly in geopolitics and history, but he has an obsessive interest in pretty much everything. After an early life spent in the Imperial Free City of Dortmund, James followed the river Ruhr to Cofbuokheim, where he attended the University of Astnide. And where he also briefly considered entering the coal mining business. He currently writes for a living, on a broad variety of subjects, ranging from science, to politics, to military history, to renewable energy. You can follow his work on Google+.
France’s Environment Minister Segolene Royal has warned that France may ban diesel cars following investigations into Volkswagen’s and Renault’s failure to adhere to emissions regulations. Royal also stated that the ministry will consult the consumer scams investigators and prosecutors to identify whether it should withdraw sales authorisations. The French government first said in 2014 that it wants to substantially reduce the number of diesel engines on the road from 80% of vehicles at the time.