Renault shares fell 20% on the news of searches at the company related to an investigation into engine emissions cheating.

Renault and French authorities have not yet commented on the situation. Earlier, a diesel scandal erupted around German automaker Volkswagen, which was caught cheating on emissions. It seems that, in a chain reaction, 'environmental investigations' may also affect other automotive giants.

Recall that due to dieselgate, Volkswagen's sales fell for the first time in 13 years.