Why it took 9 years for the Volkswagen CEO trial – A timeline

By Anand Singha CNBC-TV18.com Published Sept 03, 2024 Published Sept 03, 2024

Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn faced court on Tuesday, nearly nine years after the dieselgate scandal.

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Understanding Dieselgate scandal: In 2015, Volkswagen was caught using software to cheat emissions tests in over 11 million diesel cars worldwide.

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The software, known as a "defeat device," made vehicles appear to meet legal emissions standards during testing but emitted up to 40 times the legal limit of pollutants during normal driving.

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This led to a global outcry, billions in fines, lawsuits, and the resignation of VW's CEO, Martin Winterkorn.

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Winterkorn finally faced the courtroom on Tuesday, September 3, nearly nine years after the scandal. Here’s a timeline that explains why this trial took so long:

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September 2015: Scandal Breaks

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2015-2017: Investigations Begin

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2018: Charges Filed

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2019-2022: Health Delays

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February 2023: Court Appearances

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September 2024: Trial Commences

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Why it took 9 years for the Volkswagen CEO trial – A timeline

Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn faced court on Tuesday, nearly nine years after the dieselgate scandal.

Understanding Dieselgate scandal: In 2015, Volkswagen was caught using software to cheat emissions tests in over 11 million diesel cars worldwide.

The software, known as a "defeat device," made vehicles appear to meet legal emissions standards during testing but emitted up to 40 times the legal limit of pollutants during normal driving.

This led to a global outcry, billions in fines, lawsuits, and the resignation of VW's CEO, Martin Winterkorn.

Winterkorn finally faced the courtroom on Tuesday, September 3, nearly nine years after the scandal. Here’s a timeline that explains why this trial took so long:

September 2015: Scandal Breaks

Dieselgate Uncovered: U.S. authorities reveal VW's emissions cheating. Winterkorn resigns shortly after.

2015-2017: Investigations Begin

Global Scrutiny: Multiple investigations and lawsuits target VW and Winterkorn for fraud and market manipulation.

2018: Charges Filed

Formal Accusations: German prosecutors charge Winterkorn, but trial is delayed due to his health issues.

2019-2022: Health Delays

Repeated Postponements: Winterkorn's poor health leads to multiple trial delays.

February 2023: Court Appearances

Witness Stand: Winterkorn testifies in an investor lawsuit, denying involvement in emissions cheating.

September 2024: Trial Commences

Trial Begins: Winterkorn finally stands trial in Braunschweig, Germany. If found guilty, Winterkorn faces a fine or a custodial sentence.

Kia tops mass market carmakers in customer experience

Kia tops mass market carmakers in customer experience