In the trial against him, former Audi boss Rupert Stadler made a confession on Tuesday. He has not done enough to prevent cars with dirty diesel engines and fraudulent software from being sold as clean for years.
The trial against Stadler has been going on for over two and a half years. Together with him, the former chief engine developer Wolfgang Hatz and the former Audi engineer Giovanni P. are also accused.
All three have agreed to a deal with the court – confession in exchange for a fine and a suspended prison sentence. Stephan Radomsky observes the process for the SZ. He says: “The aim of the court was to make a decision that was as legally secure as possible, a judgment that endured.” The process was extremely complex and technical. In addition, Stadler may not only be the first, but also the last top manager from the VW group to confess to the diesel scandal. According to Radomsky, the Stadler confession will have no influence on the shareholders’ lawsuit, which is currently being heard before the Braunschweig Higher Regional Court.
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Moderation, editing: Tami Holderried
Editor: Vincent-Vitus Leitgeb
Production: Imanuel Pedersen, Julia Ongyerth
Additional audio material via ARD, Tagesschau and NDR