Defendants in VW's diesel scandal trial seek not guilty verdicts

Defending the Charges: VW Ex-Employees Aim for Acquittal

Defense Argues for Innocence in Volkswagen Diesel Emissions Scandal Trial - Defendants in VW's diesel scandal trial seek not guilty verdicts

In the high-profile diesel emissions fraud trial, the defense for one of the accused former VW officials has requested an acquittal. This was announced by the lawyer for the 59-year-old, a former head of engine development at VW, in the Braunschweig Higher Regional Court. The prosecution had proposed a four-year prison sentence for the defendant.

On the opening day, Monday, the defense team strongly critiqued the prosecution's case. One attorney called the arguments "cynical," while another considered some of the claims "nonsensical." The allegations, they stated, were unverifiable. The defense hinted that their arguments alone would take several more hours to present. The outcome of the first plea was initially unclear.

The Prosecution's Verdict

The trial, which began in September 2021, features four ex-managers and engineers on trial for fraud. The prosecution, having spent nearly four years and over 168 trial days with approximately 150 witnesses, has viewed them as guilty [2][4][5]. In a more than four-hour closing statement, the prosecutors requested sentences ranging from four years in prison to two years' probation.

In 2015, the diesel emissions scandal, globally known as "Dieselgate," came to light in the United States. It emerged that VW had implemented software, termed "defeat devices," on a large scale. This software, when recognizing emission tests, would only then activate full emission cleaning, allowing vehicles to emit up to 30 times more nitrogen oxides (NOx) than permitted by U.S. standards [2][4][5].

As the trial progresses, confusion persists: who knew what and when regarding the secret program? Testimonies contradict each other. Engineers who allegedly proposed the defeat devices assert they voiced concerns and cautioned about the consequences. Superiors deny any knowledge of illegal activities, stating that problems were discussed but not acted upon illegally.

Originally, Volkswagen's former CEO, Martin Winterkorn, was also supposed to be on trial. However, his case was separated from the proceedings in September 2021 due to health reasons. It remains uncertain whether and when the case against Winterkorn will continue.

Awaiting the Final Verdict

Defense arguments will continue Wednesday (7.5.). It is expected that each defense case will take several hours, possibly even entire trial days. As a result, it is difficult to predict when this extensive trial will conclude with a verdict.

• VW
• Diesel Emissions Fraud Trial
• Acquittal Requested
• Criminal Trial
• Braunschweig
• VW Ex-Employees
• Prosecution

Additional Insights:

• The full consequences of the trial may potentially reshape corporate liability norms in Germany [4].
• This trial differs from earlier proceedings, such as the 2017 U.S. conviction of a lower-level executive, Oliver Schmidt [4].
• Criminal charges have been brought against executives and engineers, rather than against the company itself in this context [4].

1. The defense for the former VW head, undergoing trial in the Braunschweig Higher Regional Court, has requested an acquittal, challenging the four-year prison sentence proposed by the prosecution.
2. The defense team questioned the prosecution's case on the opening day, branding some arguments as "cynical" and others as "nonsensical."
3. The defense suggested that their arguments would take several hours to present, increasing the potential trial duration.
4. The prosecution, after four years of investigation, views four ex-managers and engineers as guilty, requesting sentences ranging from four years in prison to two years' probation.
5. The future of corporate liability norms in Germany may potentially be reshaped due to the ongoing VW diesel emissions fraud trial.

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