In Germany, Volkswagen is seeking around $1.2 billion from ex-CEO Martin Winterkorn for his actions in the Dieselgate scandal.
If awarded, this sum would be the highest claim ever for damages against a CEO in Germany, according to the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper.
Volkswagen announced earlier this year that it would be demanding compensation from Martin Winterkorn and Rupert Stadler (ex-head of Audi) for their ‘breach of duty’.
However, it is only now that they have revealed publicly how much they will be demanding.
Martin Winterkorn
Volkswagen has accused Martin Winterkorn of failing to get ‘immediate and comprehensive’ information about the use of the illegal defeat devices in vehicles, sold in North America between 2009 and 2015.
Martin Winterkorn and four other ex-Volkswagen colleagues are due to go on trial together in Germany on charges of organised commercial fraud and serious tax evasion.
Rupert Stadler was the first senior executive to face the courts in Munich in 2020 for his part in the scandal.
Martin Winterkorn will face trial on 16 September 2021. This date has been pushed back several times so far due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Dieselgate history
In 2015, the Volkswagen group admitted to installing defeat devices in millions of diesel vehicles around the world to cheat emissions tests and break emissions laws.
The Dieselgate scandal, based on allegations from the US Environmental Protection Agency, has so far cost the German car manufacturer around $35 billion in fines, legal costs, and compensation.
We are litigating against car manufacturers in England and Wales to hold them accountable for their alleged illegal actions concerning the Dieselgate scandal.
If you would like to join the action, head to MyDieselClaim.com to check if your vehicle is included and start your claim today.
