Former Volkswagen executives sentenced in Dieselgate case
Nearly ten years have passed since the scandal involving the artificial underreporting of diesel engine emissions by Volkswagen, known as Dieselgate, was uncovered. However, its consequences still haunt the company. Recently, a court in Germany handed down sentences to four former top managers of the automaker.
The Braunschweig Regional Court sentenced former diesel engine development head Jens Hadler to 4.5 years in prison. Another engineer, Hanno Jelden, received 2 years and 7 months for his involvement in selling cars with manipulated emissions. Two other company employees received suspended sentences.
“These four individuals are far from the only ones facing issues with the German judicial system,” the report states.
The consequences of the scandal for Volkswagen
Legal proceedings and fines have already cost the conglomerate over $34 billion. The company has focused on developing electric vehicles in hopes of regaining lost ground. However, Chinese manufacturers, who have significantly outpaced Europeans in this field, pose serious competition.
Had it not been for Dieselgate, Volkswagen could have used these funds to strengthen its market position. Now, the company can only hope for the right strategic decisions amid fierce competition and shifts in the global automotive industry. Another 31 employees are awaiting trials, meaning the scandal is not yet fully closed.