Carlos Ghosn has recently spoken out to deny responsibility for allegations over cheating emissions tests, following serious allegations against Renault. The former executive of the two car brands Renault and Nissan, as well as the ex-chief of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, reportedly fled Japan back in 2019 after he was arrested for the alleged misuse of company funds.
The controversy surrounding Ghosn’s exit from Japan was, however, not the subject of his public statement. He was understood to be being questioned by investigators in direct relation to the wider “dieselgate” scandals. The wave of allegations relating to emissions fraud began in 2015, when Volkswagen was first accused of using illegal defeat devices to manipulate emissions controls in its diesel vehicles.
Ghosn himself may have a lot to answer for given his prior status as the head of three well-known car brands, which have since been subjected to accusations of cheating. While unrelated, the Japanese charges against him certainly cast doubt over this, but it remains to be seen whether he, Renault, or Nissan are responsible for any wrongdoing. Allegations of cheating are being firmly denied.
Ghosn’s statement on the allegations against Renault
Since reportedly being arrested for alleged financial misconduct, Carlos Ghosn has firmly pleaded that he is innocent, and he has maintained the same position in relation to the allegations against Nissan and Renault. Ghosn reportedly spoke out on the subject during questioning by French magistrates, who are understood to have flown out to Lebanon as part of their investigations into alleged deceit by Renault. Ghosn himself was questioned as a witness rather than in respect of any formal charges against him, it has been reported.
Ghosn reportedly stated that his position in the company hierarchy meant he was not involved in the details of engine performance. Remarking on emissions cheating, he reportedly acknowledged that Renault previously had difficulties with vehicle performance but, contrary to the allegations against Renault, he firmly denied that there was any cover-up of engine manipulation, also asserting that the company had not been in breach of environmental standards.
The progress of the Renault investigations in France
In June 2021, French carmaker Renault was charged with alleged deceit following years of investigations into allegations of diesel emissions manipulation at the company. French prosecutors have accused the company of using illegal defeat devices as a means of covertly breaching emissions regulations whilst still passing tests, it is understood. As a result, the carmaker has been ordered to pay a €20m bail payment, as well as a €60m bank guarantee. This could then be used to cover future compensation pay-outs if the allegations are proven to be true.
In France, the allegations against Renault have already resulted in formal charges, but we continue to investigate the company on behalf of claimants in England and Wales.
Renault emissions compensation claims
As things stand, the allegations against Renault could allow thousands of affected owners in the UK to claim compensation if they are proven to be true. If you have been affected by emissions issues, you could be eligible to recover thousands of pounds in damages for any deceit that manufacturers might have been involved with, provided the accusations are proven.
Your Lawyers was one of the first firms in the UK to take on claimants in the Volkswagen emissions litigation, and we were later appointed to the Steering Committee for the Group Litigation Order (GLO) proceedings. We are firmly invested in the fight against carmakers and want to use our specialist experience in emissions claims to achieve justice for our claimants.
If you have been affected by any of the car emissions scandals, including the alleged Renault emissions fraud, you can check your eligibility and sign up to claim online today.
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