Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn faced court on Tuesday, charged with fraud in connection to the dieselgate scandal, which came to light nine years ago when the German automaker was discovered to have tampered with emissions tests. Winterkorn, ousted from his position in September 2015 upon revelation of widespread manipulation of Volkswagen vehicles to meet environmental standards, has become synonymous with the scandal, marking a historic low for the company.
The 77-year-old's criminal trial commenced on Tuesday, representing the apex of a case that has been developing for over five years. This legal proceeding occurs at a time when the future of Volkswagen's German operations is uncertain, as the company seeks significant cost reductions under its flagship brand. Winterkorn maintained a reserved demeanor as he entered the court in Braunschweig wearing a dark-blue suit, assuring reporters of his well-being.
The charges against Winterkorn encompass fraud, market manipulation, and providing false testimony to a parliamentary committee. Additionally, he is accused of not promptly disclosing to the market the widespread manipulation of diesel engines in 2015. Through his attorney, Winterkorn refuted these allegations, asserting that he neither defrauded nor harmed anyone, and that he was transparent with investors and truthful before the investigating committee.
Health issues have plagued the 77-year-old, leading to multiple delays in the trial's start. This marks Winterkorn's first court appearance since February, when he testified in an investor lawsuit, denying any role in the decision to use defeat devices that masked the true levels of harmful diesel emissions. He has also been interrogated by a parliamentary committee and law firms engaged by Volkswagen. Should he be convicted, Winterkorn could face either a fine or imprisonment.
