Former VW CEO, Martin Winterkorn, has reportedly received a court summons in Germany to testify in relation to a legal action for compensation.
The legal action is understood to be relating to shareholders who are claiming damages from Volkswagen over the “Dieselgate” emissions scandal.
According to reports, 28 others are also facing questions, including recently-arrested Audi boss, Rupert Stadler, and Bosch CEO, Volkmar Denner.
Martin Winterkorn court summons: a big move
The Martin Winterkorn court summons is a big move. A number of VW bosses have avoided facing criminal charges in the US as a result of Germany’s extradition laws, and although the recent arrest of Rupert Stadler was a welcome move as part of efforts to punish the people who are truly responsible for the diesel crisis, it’s clear to us that there are many more who need to face the music in court.
Winterkorn, who resigned just days after the Volkswagen Emissions Scandal hit the press, has been formally indicted and charged in the US with fraud and conspiracy; but, unless he gives himself up, or finds himself caught in a country that has extradition laws with the US, he can avoid justice and hide away in Germany.
That being said, the fact that Martin Winterkorn has received a court summons is a welcome move, although we recognise that it’s a part of a civil case, and we really need to see him facing criminal charges as well in our view.
VW finally admitted fault: crimes must now be punished
After years of denying legal responsibility here in the UK, VW finally admitted responsibility for the diesel crisis in Germany and agreed to pay a heavy fine. This is key for the UK legal action because the laws they have been denying that they broke in the UK are the same as those laws in Germany, which stem from the EU.
We still think that it’s only a matter of time before they pay the compensation they owe.
REMINDER: TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO CLAIM
Although news of the Martin Winterkorn court summons may be welcome to many, people in the UK are still required to sign up to the Group Action we’re on the Steering Committee for.
As of Thursday 5th July 2018, you have less than 112 days to claim.
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