Rupert Stadler joined Audi way back in 1990 and through decades of hard work made his way up to become Audi CEO in 2007. He joined VW’s management board in 2010 and under his leadership sales and revenue for the premium brand almost doubled. Then the 2015 emissions scandal hit and everything changed.
The VW CEO at the time, Martin Winterkorn, was indicted on various felony charges but stayed away from the US to avoid jail and a number of top executives have also been handed criminal charges since. Stadler’s arrest in June of this year was a major turning point and he remains the highest-level VW Group employee to have been detained by the authorities.
To recap what most of you already know, back in 2015 the VW Group admitted to rigging around 11 million diesel vehicles globally to cheat emissions tests, a staggering deception and one that has so far cost the company well over $30 billion in various penalties.
It has since been trying to get back on track and according to the Financial Post, made a statement this Tuesday saying that Stadler would leave their employ with immediate effect. The announcement went on to say that Stadler was unable to fulfill his duties as a board member due to his continuing detention.
Rupert’s arrest in June was carried out by German prosecutors as they feared he might attempt to evade justice, he has also had his private residence searched for any evidence of wrongdoing.
No official information has been given as to his involvement in the emissions scandal, and for now sales chief Abraham Schot continues on as interim CEO. As to the brand, Audi is pushing its gas, hybrid and fully-electric technologies but diesel engines still remain a part of their offerings, especially in Europe.
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