The Executive Director of the German brand, Martin Winterkorn, resigned from the Board of Directors, following the huge controversy Dieselgate.
The scandal involving 11 million units of 2.0 TDI models equipped with a malicious device that allowed to falsify the data of polluting gas emissions while they were being tested, culminated today in the resignation of the CEO of the German brand.Winterkorn, said in a statement that he assumes responsibility for Dieselgate as head of the German group. We publish the release in full:
“I am shocked by the events of the last few days. Above all, I am shocked that it was possible for such wrongdoing and on such a large scale to exist in the Volskwagen group. As Executive Director, I accept responsibility for the irregularities that were found in Diesel engines and therefore asked the Board of Directors to accept my resignation as CEO of the Volkswagen Group. I'm doing this in the company's interest, although I'm not aware of any wrongdoing on my part. Volkswagen needs a fresh start – also at the level of new professionals. I am paving the way for that new beginning with my resignation. I have always been guided by my desire to serve this company, especially our customers and employees. Volkswagen was, is and always will be my life. The process of clarification and transparency must continue. This is the only way to regain lost trust. I am convinced that the Volkswagen Group and its team will overcome this serious crisis.”
About Martin Winterkorn
The CEO has been in his executive role since 2007 and admits to having been a milestone in his life. Data from Automotive News Europe reiterates that his career at VW was marked by the expansion of the brand during his tenure, the increase in factories and affiliations and the creation of around 580 thousand new jobs.
It is already rumored that Matthias Müller, the current CEO of Porsche, is the strongest candidate to succeed Winterkorn. The Dieselgate case promises to remain one of the main highlights of the international press in the coming days.
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