The scandal first came to light in September 2015 when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency discovered that Volkswagen had used special software in millions of its cars to cheat on emissions tests. This software turned up emissions controls during testing but turned them down during everyday driving, allowing cars to emit more than the permitted levels of nitrogen oxide.
The discovery had far-reaching consequences. Volkswagen ended up paying over 31 billion euros ($34 billion) in fines and legal settlements. The scandal also caused a significant drop in sales of diesel-powered cars in Europe.
Prosecutors claim Winterkorn knew about the practice at least by November 2014 but allowed it to continue. Winterkorn, however, says he only learned about it days before the EPA's announcement.
The trial, originally set for 2021, was delayed due to Winterkorn's health issues. Now 77 years old, Winterkorn faces several charges. He's accused of defrauding auto purchasers by selling cars with illegal software and manipulating the stock market by not revealing required information to investors. He's also charged with making false statements before a parliamentary commission of inquiry in 2017.
If convicted, Winterkorn could face up to 10 years in prison. The trial also includes four other VW executives as co-defendants.
The software at the heart of the scandal first appeared in Volkswagen cars in Europe and the U.S. in 2006. It allowed cars to emit higher levels of nitrogen oxide, a pollutant that can irritate airways and contribute to asthma development.
Source: Autoblog
