VW emissions scandal: Former diesel engines boss suspended

The man who was in charge of Volkswagen's diesel engine development during the time of the company's emissions scandal has been suspended, according to reports.

Falko Rudolph, who was VW's head of diesel engine development at the firm's Kassel plant between 2006 and 2010, has reportedly been suspended following the results of an internal investigation, according to news agency Reuters. 

Formal investigation

Volkswagen is holding an internal investigation into the source of the emissions scandal which has engulfed the company. This latest news comes after German prosecutors announced they would be opening a formal investigation into former Volkswagen Group boss Martin Winterkorn.

The prosecutor’s office in Germany said that Winterkorn is being investigated over “allegations of fraud in the sale of cars with manipulated emissions data.”

In Germany, anyone can file a complaint with the prosecutors, and several were filed as a result of the emissions scandal last week. The prosecutors then decide whether to open a formal investigation, which has now happened.

Executives on leave

Several VW executives are also reported to be on official leave from the company, with Audi R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg, VW R&D chief Heinz Jakob Neusser and Porsche board member Wolfgang Hatz all said to be suspended - although this has yet to be confirmed.

Hackenberg is a long-time board member of the VW Group, and has had responsiblity for development for the Group as a whole and, more recently, Audi. Hatz is the VW Group's head of engines and transmissions, as well as being the research and development boss of Porsche. None of the three has been formally connected with an active role in the scandal, however.

Following chairman and CEO Martin Winterkorn's departure, the board of executives that governs Volkswagen AG had suggested that he wouldn't be the last top-line employee to leave his post as a result of the emissions testing scandal. A statement read: "With the information currently available the supervisory board recommended the immediate suspension of some employees. This process is already underway."

VW departures

Already Christian Klinger, the VW Group's boss of sales and marketing and after-sales has left the firm "due to differences with regard to business strategy". VW confirmed Klinger's departure was unrelated to the emissions scandal. Former Skoda boss Winfried Vahland has also left the firm, and won't be taking up his new role as VW's US chief.

The VW Group executive committee has stated that it could pursue criminal proceedings against those found to be responsible for the manipulation. It will voluntarily submit a complaint to the State Prosecutors’ office and offer full support for any subsequent investigation.