Volkswagen’s emission cheating scandal which was caught in the US, and now trending on the internet as #Dieselgate, has resulted in their CEO, Prof. Dr. Winterkorn resigning.
Volkswagen cars sold between 2009 and 2015 have a defeat device software and affect around 11 million cars worldwide. The company has set apart €6.5 billion ($7.3 billion or INR 48,252 crore) to fix all of the affected cars (only US).
The company installed VW cheating software in their 2.0l diesel TDI engine. The software is designated to detect when a car is being tested in lab for emissions. Once it detects that it is being tested, the harmful NOx emissions will be lowered, to meet the set norms. While on the road, these cars released up to 40 times more NOx gasses, above the permissible norms.
STATEMENT BY PROF. DR. WINTERKORN
“I am shocked by the events of the past few days. Above all, I am stunned that misconduct on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group.
As CEO I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group. I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrong doing on my part.
Volkswagen needs a fresh start – also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation.
I have always been driven by my desire to serve this company, especially our customers and employees. Volkswagen has been, is and will always be my life.
The process of clarification and transparency must continue. This is the only way to win back trust. I am convinced that the Volkswagen Group and its team will overcome this grave crisis.”
