“He knew about it from the start” – More reports suggest that Audi Chief, Rupert Stadler, knew about the “defeat device” in the Volkswagen car emissions scandal as early as 2010

VW has come under fire again as allegations that Audi Chief Rupert Stadler knew of the “defeat device” software since he joined the Board in 2010.

American Law firm Jones Day were responsible for internally investigating the claims and, during the questioning, they asked Stadler what he knew about it and when he found out about the “defeat devices”.

The investigation

During the investigation, Audi suspended head of development, Stefan Knirsh, who lied under oath in relation to knowing of the software, according to Motor1. Jones Day who investigated the claims asked Stadler questions to do with the same software, in which he denied all claims.

However, Der Spiegel, a German magazine that has inside knowledge about the company, alleged that Stadler had known about the device since he joined in 2010. But a new report from Reuters said that there is no substantial evidence to show that Stadler is guilty of any wrongdoing. There is no substantial evidence of Stadler’s involvement, but any suspicious behaviour or claims cannot be dismissed, and all investigations must be followed through.

Staff at Audi have already been linked to the emissions scandal in significant ways. It has taken a big hit for the VW group as Audi is said to be VW’s biggest contributor in terms of sales. It is also alleged that Audi are responsible for implementing the devices in 11 million cars worldwide in the first place.

German investor lawsuits

There is a new record in the lawsuits made against the German automaker. VW has been sued for a total of 8.2 billion euros as a result of the car emissions scandal back in September last year. The figure is less than what German attorney’s estimated it to be – but the sum is still uncertain as more lawsuits could be brought against the German automaker worldwide.

Like ours, for example!

Currently, there is a total of 1,400 legal proceedings that are pending at Braunschweig courts. The argument that many investors are claiming are “for the losses stemming from the company’s emissions-cheating scandal”. Investors believe that, because VW was slow to publicise details about the emissions scandal, they lost money on their investments and shares.

Consequently, VW shares have reportedly dropped in the first two days after trading following the disclosure of the emissions scandal by the U.S. regulators (source).

German investors are one in the long line of investors suing the VW group. Many investors are worried that there is a limitation date to sue the company within a year. At the moment, no one seems sure as to when the deadline to bring a lawsuit is. If it is sometime soon then investors should come forward – and quickly before VW rejects any more claims.

If you have been affected by the VW car emissions scandal, please contact us so we can assist you in your claim. Our dedicated lawyers are experienced in group action claims and have recovered thousands for our victims, including the PIP Breast Implant Scandal.

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