Volkswagen seeks dieselgate damages from former Audi CEO

FRANKFURT (Reuters) – Volkswagen will seek damages from former CEO Martin Winterkorn and former Audi boss Rupert Stadler over its diesel emissions scandal, the automaker said on Friday.

The German group said after a thorough forensic investigation it had concluded that Winterkorn and Stadler had breached their duty of care, adding that it had found no violations by other members of the council of ‘administration.

Winterkorn and Stadler have both denied being responsible for the scandal.

Volkswagen admitted in 2015 to using illegal software to rig diesel engine tests in the United States, triggering the biggest crisis in its history. The scandal cost him more than 32 billion euros ($ 38 billion) in fines, refits and legal costs.

“Volkswagen AG’s supervisory board drew a line in its clarification process and ended its investigation that began in October 2015 into the causes of the diesel crisis and who was responsible for it,” Volkswagen said.

“Consequently, the Supervisory Board decided at its meeting today to claim damages against the former Chairman of the Group Management Board, Prof. Martin Winterkorn, and former member of the Group Management Board and Chairman of the Management Board of AUDI AG, Rupert Stadler, due to breaches of due diligence under company law. “

Winterkorn’s lawyers said in a statement that the former CEO regretted the supervisory board’s decision and dismissed the charges against him.

“Mr. Prof Dr Winterkorn is aware that the Supervisory Board is obliged to assess potential claims and possibly to assert them. He will therefore seek to clarify these issues in consultation with Volkswagen AG, ”the statement said.

Stadler’s lawyers could not be reached immediately for comment.

(1 USD = 0.8493 euros)