Volkswagen ex-bosses' emissions manipulation trial nearing decision phase - Criminal investigation of ex-Volkswagen managers over emissions scandal nearing conclusion
Here's the lowdown on the criminal trial happening in Braunschweig, Germany. Four ex-bigwigs from the Volkswagen group are about to stand trial after three and a half years of intense negotiations. The court has announced that they're wrapping up evidence collection this week, with the state prosecutor's closing statement set for April 25 at 9:30 AM.
These people are on trial for, among other things, committing commercial and criminal fraud. They allegedly created manipulated software installed in millions of Volkswagen diesel cars, software that could detect when the vehicles were undergoing emissions tests and activate full emissions controls only during those tests. This allowed the cars to spit out nitrogen oxides many times above the legal limit while on the road.
Initially, the former Volkswagen CEO, Martin Winterkorn, was supposed to be part of the trial. However, due to health issues, he was separated from the trial before it began in September 2021.
Back in 2015, it was uncovered in the US that Volkswagen had been using a big-time cheating program. This program recognized emissions tests and only then activated the full emission cleaning. The scandal, known worldwide as "Dieselgate," caused quite the commotion for the Wolfsburg automaker, plunging it into a deep crisis and resulting in countless lawsuits and costs estimated to exceed 30 billion euros.
- Volkswagen
- Criminal Trial
- Braunschweig
- Martin Winterkorn
- Volkswagen
- Prosecution
Prosecutors believe the defendants are guilty as hell for the emissions manipulation. They're pushing for prison sentences instead of probation, highlighting the gravity of the offenses. A long-time head of VW's powertrain technology, a former head of development at the VW core brand, and a former head of the diesel engine development department are some of the key defendants. Prosecutors have asked for sentences ranging from three to four years for the main culprits. A former department head responsible for diesel exhaust purification, viewed as more of an accomplice, is seeking a two-year suspended sentence.
The three main defendants are being held responsible for damages amounting to around 3.15 billion euros linked to 3.65 million affected vehicles. Another defendant, who joined the scheme later, is associated with damages of 1.14 billion euros and about 1.49 million affected vehicles. The scandal not only took a toll on Volkswagen but also inflicted a massive crisis on the company. The costs from worldwide lawsuits and penalties are estimated to exceed 30 billion euros.
So, keep an eye on this trial as it wraps up. We'll see if justice is served for this massive emissions scandal, also known as "Dieselgate."
- The ongoing criminal trial in Braunschweig, Germany, is focusing on four ex-managers from Volkswagen group, accused of committing commercial and criminal fraud related to the emissions scandal.
- Prosecutors are seeking prison sentences for the defendants, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses, which include creating manipulated software for diesel cars that exceeded legal nitrogen oxide limits.
- The defendants are being held responsible for damages amounting to approximately 4.3 billion euros, linked to around 5.14 million affected vehicles.
- This emissions manipulation scandal, also known as "Dieselgate," caused immense damage to Volkswagen and led to numerous lawsuits and costs estimated to surpass 30 billion euros.
