Ex-Volkswagen Chief Winterkorn on Trial for Diesel Emissions Cheating

FRANKFURT, Germany — The former CEO of Volkswagen Group, Martin Winterkorn, is currently on trial for fraud and market manipulation linked to the notorious emissions scandal involving the company’s use of illegal software. This software allowed millions of vehicles to pass emissions tests while actually emitting harmful pollutants far above the legal limit.

Prosecutors allege that Winterkorn was aware of the deceptive software long before the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publicly disclosed the issue in September 2015. In contrast, Winterkorn has maintained that he only became aware of the software manipulation a few days prior to the EPA’s announcement. Throughout various civil proceedings, he has consistently testified that the charges against him are unfounded.

His lawyer, Felix Doerr, reiterated their stance ahead of the trial in Braunschweig, stating that “our client definitively rejects the accusations brought against him.” Doerr emphasized that Winterkorn’s role as CEO should not automatically make him accountable for every aspect of the scandal.

Originally scheduled for trial in 2021 alongside four other VW executives, Winterkorn’s proceedings were delayed due to health reasons. The ramifications of the diesel scandal have been profound, not just for Volkswagen but for the wider automotive industry as well. To date, the company has incurred over 31 billion euros (approximately $34 billion) in fines and legal settlements. Consequently, sales of diesel vehicles, which were once favored in Europe for their fuel efficiency, have significantly decreased.

The trial against Winterkorn includes several serious charges. He is accused of defrauding car buyers by selling vehicles equipped with the illegal software, manipulating stock markets by failing to disclose essential information to investors, and making misleading statements during a parliamentary inquiry in 2017. If convicted, Winterkorn could face a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

According to prosecutors, Winterkorn was aware of the illegal software issue as early as November 2014 yet continued to allow its use within the company. They assert that the rigged software had been installed in Volkswagen cars in both Europe and the United States since 2006. This software would activate emissions controls during testing conditions, but deactivate them during normal driving, resulting in vehicles releasing nitrogen oxide at levels far exceeding permissible limits.

Nitrogen oxide is a harmful pollutant that can irritate airways and contribute to respiratory issues, including asthma. The exposure to such elevated levels of this pollutant raises significant health concerns for the public.

The ongoing trial is not just a critical moment for Winterkorn but also a turning point for Volkswagen as it seeks to recover from the scandal that tarnished its reputation and led to substantial financial losses. As the case develops, it could reveal more insights into the actions and decisions made within the company during the period leading up to the scandal’s exposure.

Winterkorn’s situation draws attention to the broader ethical responsibilities of corporations and their leaders, emphasizing the importance of accountability in the automotive industry. As sentiments grow regarding environmental protection and corporate transparency, the outcome of this trial may set precedents for future corporate governance and regulatory compliance.