18 September California Air Board publishes a letter it has sent to Volkswagen
It notes the details of the company’s attempts to circumvent official US emissions testings and VW’s admission of the wrongdoing.
22 September Volkswagen Passenger Cars CEO Herbert Diess issues statement
Diess admits that as many as 11 million cars fitted with Euro 5 EA189 diesel engines are affected by the emissions issue.
“I assure you that Volkswagen will do everything humanly possible to win back the trust of our customers, the dealerships and the public.”
23 September Martin Winterkorn announces his resignation
“Volkswagen needs a fresh start also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation. I have always been driven by my desire to serve this company, especially our customers and employees. Volkswagen has been, is and will always be my life.”
25 September Volkswagen announces leadership shakeup
Matthias Müller is revealed as new CEO of Volkswagen AG. His contract runs until February 2020 and he retains his position as Porsche chairman until a replacement can be found.
Seat chairman Jürgen Stackmann joins Volkswagen as vice-president of sales, marketing and aftersales
Audi’s executive vice-president of sales and marketing Luca de Meo replaces Stackmann as Seat chairman
Skoda CEO Winfried Vahland becomes president and CEO of the new Volkswagen North American region, encompassing all VW activities in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Porsche board member for sales and marketing, Bernhard Maier, takes over as Skoda CEO.
Michael Horn remains in his job as president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America.
Suspended are Audi development chief Ulrich Hackenberg, VW R&D head Heinz-Jakob Neusser and Porsche development head Wolfgang Hatz.
Hackenberg was responsible for development at Volkswagen from 2007-13; Hatz was responsible for engine development from 2007-11 and Neusser has been head of VW Group powertrain development since 2012.
26 September Switzerland bans the sale VW Euro 5 diesels
The move affects around 180,000 1.2-, 1.6- and 2-liter diesel-engined cars that have not yet been registered or sold.
29 September Volkswagen announces recall of EA189 engines for software fix
“In a first step, the customers affected will be informed that the emissions characteristics of their vehicles will be corrected in the near future. All vehicles are technically safe and roadworthy. Under the action plan, Volkswagen and the other Group brands whose vehicles are affected will present the technical solutions and measures to the responsible authorities in October.”
September 30, 2015