OREANDA-NEWS. French authorities have charged Renault SA with manipulating diesel emissions data.

Renault will pay 20 million euros ($ 24.4 million) in collateral, including 18 million euros for possible damages and fines. The company must also provide a bank guarantee for € 60 million for potential compensation payments.

Renault denied accusations that the company used special software to manipulate emission data.

The Dieselgate scandal erupted in 2015 when Volkswagen admitted to installing special software on its diesel vehicles that underestimated emissions data.

After that, the French authorities began testing diesel engines in some vehicles. In January 2016, Renault's headquarters were searched.

In 2017, the French prosecutor's office launched an investigation into Renault to determine whether the company was practicing practices that made diesel vehicles "dangerous to human and animal health," The Wall Street Journal notes.

Volkswagen reported on June 9 that the French authorities had previously filed similar charges against it. According to AFP, charges of manipulating the emissions were filed on May 6. The agency's source said that the German automaker was ordered to post a bond of 10 million euros, as well as provide a bank guarantee for 60 million euros.