A Decade Later, VW's Major Scandal Remains Unresolved | Carscoops

      VW may have spent billions to move beyond the Dieselgate scandal, yet many of its executives still face significant legal challenges.

      The fallout from the Dieselgate scandal continues to affect VW as its legal troubles persist.

      Four former VW managers have been sentenced in connection with the ongoing legal issues, while another 31 individuals are awaiting trial and might encounter similar repercussions.

      Although it feels like just yesterday, it's been nearly ten years since VW's emissions scandal, widely referred to as Dieselgate, erupted. This incident triggered a wave of repercussions that impacted not only the German automaker but the entire automotive industry, and the saga is far from over.

      A recent report reveals that four ex-VW managers have been sentenced by the Braunschweig Regional Court in Lower Saxony, Germany. Jens Hadler, who oversaw diesel-engine development from 2007 to 2011, received a 4 1/2-year prison sentence for the sale of over 2 million affected vehicles, while Hanno Jelden, a former chief engineer, was sentenced to 2 years and 7 months for aggravated fraud associated with nearly 3 million cars sold.

      Additionally, Heinz-Jacob Neusser, a former VW executive, received a suspended sentence of 1 year and 3 months for his involvement in Dieselgate, while a lower-ranking employee known as Thorsten D. was given a suspended sentence of 1 year and 10 months.

      The four convicted managers have the option to appeal, meaning the judgment is not yet final, but the likelihood of them escaping serious consequences is minimal.

      According to Daily Sabah, these four individuals are not the only ones facing challenges with the German judicial system. In fact, criminal proceedings against 31 defendants are still ongoing, as stated by a spokesperson for the regional court.

      Having faced numerous lawsuits and fines totaling over 30 billion euros ($34 billion), VW has shifted its focus towards electrification, a new and promising area of the automotive sector that is expected to help the company start anew.

      However, the outcomes have been less than favorable thus far, and reports indicate that the company is in a precarious position at an inopportune time, particularly with sales in China declining, Donald Trump enforcing heavy tariffs on imports, and Chinese manufacturers, who have advanced significantly in electric vehicles, making a strong push into European markets.

      Had Dieselgate not occurred, the $34 billion lost could have strengthened VW's position, enabling it to better defend against threats. Unfortunately, what’s done is done; all that remains is for the company to make prudent decisions and wish for the best.