VOLKSWAGEN CEO Martin Winterkorn has resigned over the company’s tampering with US diesel emission tests.
In a statement released this afternoon, Winterkorn said he was ‘shocked by the events of the past few days’.
He continued: ‘Above all, I am stunned that misconduct on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group.
‘I am doing this in the interests of the company even though I am not aware of any wrong doing on my part. I am clearing the way for a fresh start with my resignation.’
This follows news that VW, the world’s largest car manufacturer, has deliberately manipulated US diesel emission tests, uncovered by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
It has already been discovered that 11 million vehicles worldwide are involved, with the German giant admitting it has set aside £4.7 billion to fund damages.
‘The process of clarification and transparency must continue. This is the only way to win back trust,’ added Winterkorn.
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