Ex-Audi boss Stadler confesses role in diesel scandal

Former Audi CEO Rupert Stadler on Tuesday admitted to his role in the diesel emissions scandal during his fraud trial.

The Munich Regional Court had offered Stadler the possibility of a suspended sentence in exchange for a complete admission of guilt and a fine of 1.1 million euros (1.2 million dollars).

Stadler had stated at the start of May that he would make the confession.

Cars with diesel engines were manipulated by an automatic shut-off system so that they met exhaust emission limits on the test bench but not on the road.

However, Stadler was not charged with instigating the car tampering.

Despite knowing that the exhaust emission values could have been manipulated, he allowed the sale of these vehicles to continue until the beginning of 2018.

With a “yes,” he confirmed a statement read out in court on Tuesday by his defence lawyer.

Stadler admitted wrongdoing in it.

The statement admitted that he had the opportunity to intervene but did not and that he regretted his decisions.

dpa/NAN