Diesel Scandal: Final Showdown in the VW Trial
Following nearly four years' duration: Conclusion reached in the VW diesel scandal lawsuit - VW diesel debacle reaches its conclusion after a span of nearly four years
The long-awaited conclusion of the VW diesel scandal trial is almost here. The trial, spanning over 170 days, will wrap up with final statements from the four accused ex-managers and engineers from Volkswagen this Friday (16th May), according to a representative from the Braunschweig District Court. However, it remains unclear whether all four will choose to make a statement.
In recent days, both the prosecution and defense have presented their closing arguments in this landmark trial, one of the biggest German industrial scandals. The prosecution called for three prison sentences and one probation, while the defense pleaded for three acquittals and one warning.
A trial steeped in contradictions
From the outset, this trial before the Braunschweig Economic Crime Chamber has been marred by conflicting viewpoints. It's been one account against another. Engineers who claim to have proposed the defeat device maintained they raised concerns and warned of potential repercussions. Their superiors countered, stating that issues were discussed, but never illegal actions were sanctioned.
In September 2015, it was uncovered in the USA that VW had orchestrated a massive deception program that recognized emissions tests and only then initiated full pollution cleaning. Dubbed as Dieselgate, this scandal sent shockwaves through Volkswagen, starting a chain reaction that has cost the company over 30 billion euros to date.
Key figure Winterkorn absent
From the prosecution's standpoint, the defendants in this trial, who have been undergoing legal proceedings since September 2021, are guilty of fraud. The four men vehemently defend themselves, viewing themselves as scapegoats, and have criticized from the start the absence of former CEO Martin Winterkorn, a critical figure. The case against the 77-year-old was separated due to health concerns. A verdict in the current trial is anticipated on Monday, 26th May, as per current plans.
- VW
- Braunschweig
- Trial
- Prosecution
- Defense
Behind the Scenes:
The final verdict in the VW Diesel trial is expected on May 26, 2025. The trial, which began in September 2021, involves four former Volkswagen managers accused of fraud in connection with the "Dieselgate" emissions scandal. Here are the expected outcomes based on the prosecutors' and defense's pleas:
- Prosecutors' Demands: The prosecutors have sought prison sentences ranging from three to four years for three of the defendants. For the fourth defendant, they have requested a suspended sentence[1][2][3].
- Defense Pleas: The defense has argued for three acquittals and one warning, contesting the prosecutors' allegations of fraud[1][2].
The exact sentences will be determined by the court, but the prosecution's requests indicate a strong legal stance against the defendants. The trial has been marked by contrasting testimonies and disputes over who knew about the emissions cheating and when[1][2].
- The final verdict in the VW Diesel scandal trial, which began in September 2021, is expected on May 26, 2025, and involved four former Volkswagen managers accused of fraud in the "Dieselgate" emissions scandal.
- The prosecution in the trial has sought prison sentences ranging from three to four years for three of the defendants, while for the fourth defendant, they have requested a suspended sentence.
- The defense has argued for three acquittals and one warning, contesting the prosecutors' allegations of fraud, suggesting a contrasting viewpoint in the trial.
