The trial of former Audi boss Rupert Stadler begins today in Munich, southern Germany. He is the first boss of a German carmaker to stand trial in the scandal involving manipulated exhaust gas values known as Dieselgate.
The exhaust scandal within Audi erupted in front of an open curtain at a press conference three years ago; just as the company was about to present its financial statements, it became known that a house search was underway in the board’s offices and private homes.
– Please show understanding that I will not comment on the house searches, Rupert Stadler said then.
In the trial which begins today, the prosecutor claims that the longtime Audi boss since at least the end of 2015 knew that Audi had installed software in its diesel cars that kept the emissions of nitric oxide below the limit values in control measurements, and then, in traffic, be significantly higher. Still, the Audi boss allowed the cars to continue to be sold. He is now charged with, among other things, 120,000 cases of fraud.
It is a giant trial that begins today, more than 300 witnesses have been called and 181 trial days are planned, the verdict in the case is not expected until December in two years. If convicted, Rupert Stadler could face up to 15 years in prison. Audi’s former development manager and two engineers are also on trial.
The trial is being closely monitored both in and outside Germany, as it could have a major impact on Audi owners’ future claims for damages.
Source: ICELAND NEWS
