Volkswagen ‘Dieselgate’ Shifts To More Markets And VW Personnel

The Dieselgate nightmare continues for Volkswagen - the emissions fraud scandal that threatens to do lasting damage to the German automaker.

Sparked by an investigation of its EA189 diesel engines in the United States, the scandal has placed Volkswagen at risk of enormous fines in the US, estimated at up to US$18billion in that market alone, and at risk of similar action in Europe and other jurisdictions. 

The fallout continues, and will probably continue for some time. 

The first moves came from now ex-CEO Martin Winterkorn, who publicly apologised to Volkswagen’s customers before falling on his sword a few days later by resigning.

There are more questions than answers at present, but with Winterkorn now gone the spotlight shifts to others in the Volkswagen Group - along with other carmakers around the world.

MORE RESIGNATIONS?

Reports out of Europe suggest Winterkorn will shortly be followed by Audi R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg, Volkswagen brand development boss Heinz-Jakob Neusser and Wolfgang Hatz from Porsche out the company’s back door.

Hatz has served as the boss of Volkswagen’s engine and transmission development, Hackenberg is a long-serving member on the board and Neusser has headed the overall development program since 2013.

Reuters reports current Skoda CEO Winfried Vahland may be moved to a new board position devoted to repairing Volkswagen’s image in the US market, while Christian Klinger’s position as head of sales and marketing is also said to be under threat.

Following a meeting of the Group’s Executive Committee, Volkswagen reportedly said it was open to pursuing criminal proceedings against persons found responsible for the defeat device software.

Diesels