Former Volkswagen Group CEO Martin Winterkorn appeared in court on Tuesday to face accusations of fraud and market manipulation related to the scandal involving Volkswagen’s use of rigged software to cheat on emissions tests and release high levels of harmful pollutants. Winterkorn allegedly knew about the illegal software long before it was publicly disclosed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2015. Despite Winterkorn claiming he was unaware of the practice until shortly before the EPA’s announcement, prosecutors argue he was aware much earlier.
Winterkorn’s defense attorney, Felix Doerr, stated that his client denies all accusations and believes that being the CEO does not automatically make him accountable for all aspects of the scandal. Winterkorn, 77, was initially set to stand trial in 2021 along with four other VW executives, but the proceedings were postponed due to health reasons.
The diesel emissions scandal had a significant impact on Volkswagen and the automotive industry, resulting in the company paying over 31 billion euros ($34 billion) in fines and settlements. The scandal also led to a sharp decline in the sales of diesel cars in Europe, once popular for their fuel efficiency.
Winterkorn is facing multiple charges, including defrauding consumers by selling vehicles with illegal software, manipulating the stock market by withholding crucial information from investors, and providing false statements to a parliamentary inquiry in 2017. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
Prosecutors claim that Winterkorn was aware of the issue as early as November 2014 but allowed the deceptive practice to continue. The software in question manipulated emissions controls during tests to meet standards, but reverted to higher emission levels during regular driving, exceeding permitted nitrogen oxide levels which can pose health risks such as aggravating respiratory conditions like asthma.
