Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2018
Diesel emissions criminal proceedings
German prosecutors and courts pursued criminal investigations and proceedings concerning alleged fraud, market manipulation and regulatory violations connected with the emissions software.
2015
Volkswagen emissions scandal
U.S. regulators alleged that Volkswagen and Audi diesel vehicles used software capable of detecting emissions tests and activating a special control mode. During ordinary driving, affected vehicles emitted nitrogen oxides above applicable limits. The scandal involved millions of vehicles globally and led to recalls, buybacks, compensation, criminal cases, regulatory penalties and major reputational damage.
2015
Leadership and governance crisis following Dieselgate
The emissions scandal led to Martin Winterkorn's resignation, investigations of executives and engineers, changes in compliance structures and a long-term reassessment of corporate culture and internal controls.