Volkswagen's Dieselgate Scandal: Martin Winterkorn's Trial Halted

The trial of former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn, related to the dieselgate scandal, has been suspended due to his health. The court in Braunschweig plans to start the trial in the first quarter of 2025. Winterkorn faces multiple charges, including fraud and market manipulation.

The criminal trial of former Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn over the dieselgate scandal has been suspended due to his poor health, a court in Braunschweig announced on Tuesday. All hearings have been cancelled as Winterkorn, who was ousted from Volkswagen's leadership in 2015 after revelations of mass car manipulation to pass environmental tests, will not be fit to attend in the near future, the court stated.

The first quarter of 2025 is now being considered as the new start date for the 77-year-old's trial, which marks the culmination of over five years of legal proceedings. Winterkorn is facing significant charges including fraud, market manipulation, and providing false testimony to a parliamentary committee.

Additionally, Winterkorn is accused of not informing the capital market in a timely manner about the diesel engine manipulations in 2015. During the trial's initial phase in September, Winterkorn defended himself via his lawyer, asserting he did not defraud anyone or intentionally keep the capital market in the dark to harm investors.

This suspension coincides with uncertainties surrounding the future of Volkswagen's German operations and the company's efforts to secure billions in savings for its flagship brand.

(With inputs from agencies.)