Volkswagen CEO Stepping Down Amid Emissions Cheating Scandal

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn arrives for an official state dinner for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, in front of Germany's President Joachim Gauck's residence, Bellevue Palace, in Berlin, Wednesday, June 24, 2015.... Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn arrives for an official state dinner for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, in front of Germany's President Joachim Gauck's residence, Bellevue Palace, in Berlin, Wednesday, June 24, 2015. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) MORE LESS

BERLIN (AP) — Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn says he is stepping down “in the interests of the company” as it grapples with the emissions scandal.

Wintekorn said in a statement Wednesday that “Volkswagen needs a fresh start — also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation.”

He said he was acting in the interests of the company “even though I am not aware of any wrongdoing on my part.”

A successor was not immediately announced.

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  1. Not enough. I’ve owned 2 Volkswagens; loved them both. Now, the company’s dead to me, & I’m far from alone. Goodbye, industry icon.

  2. Avatar for mymy mymy says:

    I think he is guilty of some of this cheating mess, based on his tenure. I’m concerned that my diesel Audi A3 (“Green Car of the Year” in 2010, the year I bought it, and for that reason) won’t be allowed to renew its license in California. (California has joined in saying the diesels are “non-compliant”). Does anyone know??
    (It got federal tax credits for being so “green” by the way.)

  3. There will probably be some kind of program change they can just upload to the car’s computer and I’m guessing it will just mean your milage will change. Whether that means it will go up or down though I’m unsure. I could see maybe it will go up but you’ll be down on power.

  4. Avatar for lbulb8 lbulb8 says:

    “even though I am not aware of any wrongdoing on my part.”
    Well , that sounds as convincing as “I was just following orders”.

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