Renault to recall 15,000 vehicles

RENAULTS is to recall 15,000 vehicles after tests revealed they breached anti-pollution norms.

Fresh tests were carried out in the wake of the Volkswagen scandal which revealed that special software had been installed on the German cars to help them cheat and produce false results.

The recall announcement was made by the Ecology Minister Ségolène Royal after tests and raids on the offices of Renault last week showed that the manufacturer’s vehicles produced higher levels of pollution than it had claimed, breaching levels of CO2 and mono-nitrogen oxides.

It concerns new cars that have yet to be sold.

The revelations caused a 20% drop in Renault’s share value on the Cac 40.

Ms Royal told RTL that all new cars should operate within guidelines and that Renault should act quickly as it would take half a day to correct an engine.

The announcement was made after Renault appeared before the Commission technique indépendante which was set up by the government after the Volkswagen revelations.

Other car manufacturers have been called before the commission, said the minister, but she declined to name them at this stage.