Automotive News: VW manager told CEO about U.S. 'cheating' in July 2015, VW engineer jailed for emissions scandal
VW manager told CEO about U.S. 'cheating' in July 2015
A former senior quality manager at Volkswagen has told investigators he informed then-CEO Martin Winterkorn on July 27, 2015, that the carmaker had “cheated” during emissions tests in the United States, German media reported on Friday.
Volkswagen (VW) has said its executive board did not learn about the severity of emissions test cheating using illegal software until late August 2015.
VW has acknowledged it installed software that deactivated pollution controls on more than 11 million diesel vehicles sold worldwide, damaging its global business, leading to billions of dollars in fines, and prompting the departure of Winterkorn.
But questions linger over who knew the software was illegal, and when they found out. The timing is important because VW is being sued by investors for holding back market sensitive information - an allegation it denies. read more »
VW engineer jailed for emissions scandal
A former Volkswagen engineer who helped develop a device that enabled cars to evade US pollution rules has been sentenced to more than three years in prison and ordered to pay $200,000.
James Liang, 63, was the first person prosecuted in the emissions scandal.
The US investigation has led to charges against seven others in the US and sparked probes in other countries.
Volkswagen has admitted guilt, agreeing to spend as much as $25bn to address US claims.
Liang co-operated with prosecutors, who argued that his help with the investigation warranted a reduction in the possible punishment to three years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
But US District Court Judge Sean Cox opted for a harsher penalty of 40 months and a $200,000 penalty, saying he wanted to send a message to others in the car industry.
"This is a very serious and troubling crime against our economic system," he said. read more »
