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The news broke in the middle of the IAA in Frankfurt am Main (Germany), then the world’s largest auto show: On 18 September 2015, it was learned that illegal software was used in VW Group’s diesel engines. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), this means that the engines only meet the specified limit values for nitrogen oxides (NO).x) fit, but not in daily use on the road.
The result: a major earthquake in the industry. Ban on sales of diesel models, reduced sales, claims and lawsuits from customers of group brands Audi, Seat, Skoda, Porsche and VW whose diesel vehicles do not meet legal requirements due to fraudulent software. The group later paid around 32 billion euros in fines and damages. In addition, the scandal swept almost the entire management team. And it led the company to change its course towards electromobility. But important questions remained unanswered: How was it possible that no one in the VW group took action against breaches of the law with fraudulent software? And who initiated their development?
Former developer admitted
Nearly two and a half years later, the case against those alleged responsible at the Economic Criminal Court of Munich District Court (D) is now entering its final phase. Former Audi boss Rupert Stadler (60), former Audi engine developer Wolfgang Hatz (64) and another senior engineer are indicted. Throughout the trial so far, Hatz and Stadler have always denied knowing about the banned engine software and how it works. But Hatz has now made a sweeping confession: “I fully accept the allegations against me,” he had his attorney explain to the court this morning.
“The formative elements of the software” were known to Hatz, as quoted by “Handelsblatt” attorney. Hatz admitted to launching the software where the nitrogen oxide limit values for diesel engines were observed on the test bench but were no longer on the road. Reason: Audi was able to install significantly smaller tanks for the urea needed for exhaust aftertreatment. With this so-called Adblue, the proportion of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gas is greatly reduced. Thanks to the software, the customer was also asked to fill AdBlue less frequently.
confession against parole
Behind the confession is the possibility of an agreement that would likely reduce penalties. The presiding judge, Stefan Weickert, said the court gave all defendants a suspended sentence of between one and a half to two years if they confessed fully. The judge said the prosecutor could “live with it” if Stadler had to pay a multi-million dollar probation clause. Another meeting with Stadler’s defenders is scheduled. Hatz has already made his confession.
But the former engine developer’s confession may no longer be of any use when it comes to punishment. The court recommended a suspended sentence and a €400,000 probation clause if Hatz made a full confession. Hatz’s defense agreed, but prosecutors sought a prison sentence without parole. Because Hatz is responsible for considerable damage in a very high position, and the confession comes too late.
Long-term group employees
Rupert Stadler worked for the VW Group from 1990 and is considered a close confidant of former CEO Martin Winterkorn (75). He was detained in June 2018 for his involvement in the diesel scandal and was released on bail four months later. In October 2018, Audi terminated the contract with him. Wolfgang Hatz started as head of collective development at Audi in 2001, and from 2009 oversaw all collective development in the group. From 2011 he was also head of development at Porsche. After learning about the allegations in the diesel scandal, he was taken on leave in September 2015, detained in September 2017 and released on bail in June 2018.
The court reached an agreement in the co-defendant chief engineer case. If he pays 50,000 euros, he will be sentenced to a suspended sentence.
Source: Blick
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
