Suche
Mein Konto
VW diesel scandal: Verdict against Winterkorn today – a fateful day!
The verdict in the diesel scandal is expected on May 26, 2025 in the trial against Martin Winterkorn, ex-CEO of Volkswagen.
VW diesel scandal: Verdict against Winterkorn today – a fateful day!
On May 26, 2025, the trial against Martin Winterkorn, the former CEO of Volkswagen, will reach a crucial point. The fraud trial, which spanned 174 days of proceedings and the statements of around 150 witnesses, is now entering its final phase. The verdicts against Winterkorn and three other former VW managers are expected to be announced today. The proceedings revolve around the massive manipulations in the context of the VW diesel scandal, which has shaken the automotive industry since it was revealed in September 2015. A scandal that has raised questions around the world about emissions controls and ethical standards in the industry.
Winterkorn appeared before the media on September 22, 2015 and apologized for the manipulations, and resigned from his position a day later. The tension surrounding the trial is high and the defendants report an exhausting situation. The Braunschweig public prosecutor's office has requested prison sentences of between three and four years for three of the defendants who were involved in the development of the illegal software. Winterkorn himself is not present for health reasons, which is met with criticism from numerous observers. However, according to his lawyers, he did not defraud or harm anyone.
The background to the diesel scandal
The diesel scandal, also known as “Dieselgate,” began in the 2000s when Volkswagen sought to increase its diesel car market share in the United States. Engineers developed so-called “defeat devices” that allowed emissions controls to be active only during tests. This resulted in more than 9 million vehicles being affected worldwide, including models from Audi, Porsche, Seat and Skoda.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported in September 2015 that VW had illegally used software to manipulate emissions tests. This revelation set in motion a wave of legal and financial problems. Volkswagen has already paid over 30 billion euros in penalties and compensation. Winterkorn was charged in 2019 and had to wait for his hearing due to health concerns. In addition to Winterkorn, other executives, such as former Audi boss Rupert Stadler, were also convicted of fraud and market manipulation.
Political and economic effects
The scandal has also led to a rethink in automotive policy, with a greater focus on electromobility. The dispute over responsibility and claims for damages continues to burden Volkswagen, and the legal disputes could cost the company a total of up to 33 billion euros. Much remains uncertain in this regard, as several cases are still pending.
Today's verdict could have far-reaching consequences for Winterkorn and the managers responsible. If they face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, it could not only mean the end of their careers, but also represent a further low point for trust in the automotive industry. The pressure on VW to learn from the mistakes of the past and shape a transparent future is greater than ever.