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Image source: Carscoops. |
According to Carscoops, there have been new developments in Volkswagen’s Dieselgate emissions scandal.
German media sources report that four former Volkswagen executives have been sentenced to prison by the Braunschweig Regional Court in Lower Saxony, Germany.
Jens Hadler, head of diesel engine development from 2007 to 2011, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for his role in selling over two million affected vehicles. Senior engineer, Hanno Jelden, was sentenced to two years and seven months for his involvement in the emissions cheating scandal, affecting nearly three million cars sold to customers.
Heinz-Jacob Neusser, former Director of Drive System Development at Volkswagen, received a suspended sentence of one year and three months. A lower-level employee, identified only as Thorsten D., was also given a suspended sentence of one year and ten months by the German court.
According to German media reports, the four individuals have the right to appeal, and the sentences are not final. However, the chances of the former Volkswagen executives being exonerated are slim.
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The cheating device allowed Volkswagen cars to detect when they were being tested and adjust their emissions output. Image: CITA. |
The Daily Sabah quoted a spokesperson for the regional court, who stated that criminal proceedings against 31 other defendants related to Dieselgate are ongoing in Braunschweig.
Since the Dieselgate scandal broke, Volkswagen has faced numerous lawsuits and fines, totaling over 30 billion EUR (approximately 34 billion USD). The company is now focusing on electrification, a completely new field that could, in theory, usher in a new era for Volkswagen.
However, current data suggests that Volkswagen is falling short of its goals, amidst a turbulent automotive industry. Volkswagen’s sales in China are declining, and the company is facing new tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on imported goods, including cars. Meanwhile, Chinese electric carmakers are starting to compete in the European market.
Carscoops commented that if Dieselgate had not occurred, the 34 billion USD in damages could have been used to strengthen Volkswagen’s position and protect itself against these emerging threats.
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