Four former Volkswagen executives found guilty of fraud in 'Dieselgate' case

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🗞️ Driving the news: A German court has convicted four former Volkswagen executives for their roles in the "Dieselgate" scandal, nearly a decade after the emissions fraud first came to light
• Sentences ranged from suspended terms to four and a half years in prison, marking a significant legal reckoning for one of Europe’s most prominent industrial scandals

🔭 The context: The Dieselgate scandal erupted in 2015 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency revealed that Volkswagen (see sustainability performance) had manipulated engine software to cheat emissions tests
• The vehicles met regulatory standards under test conditions but emitted significantly more pollutants in real-world driving
• The scandal triggered global outrage, regulatory reforms, and over €33 billion in legal and settlement costs for Volkswagen

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Dieselgate highlighted how regulatory loopholes and corporate malfeasance can undermine environmental protections
• It sparked tighter emissions testing across the EU and U.S. and accelerated the shift towards electric vehicles
• The convictions serve as a warning to the auto industry about the risks of circumventing environmental laws, reinforcing accountability in the climate transition

⏭️ What's next: While the trial in Braunschweig concludes one chapter, further criminal proceedings are expected, and appeals may follow within the week
• Investigations continue into how broadly the emissions fraud was known within Volkswagen’s leadership
• The case against former CEO Martin Winterkorn remains on hold due to reported health concerns, leaving questions of executive accountability unresolved

💬 One quote: “This verdict shows that industrial deception at the expense of public health and the environment has serious legal consequences,” — a spokesperson for Germany’s Federal Environment Agency.

📈 One stat: Volkswagen has paid over €33 billion in fines, compensation, and legal costs since the Dieselgate scandal began

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Volkswagen and its peers BMW, and Mercedes-Benz

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