Automotive News: VW Diesel Whistleblower Identified & U.S. Judge Sentences VW to Three-Years' Probation, Oversight
VW diesel whistleblower identified in book
As Volkswagen’s criminal case closed on Friday, a nagging question persists: Who blew the whistle and first admitted to regulators that VW was lying about its dirty diesels?
Volkswagen AG was sentenced in a Detroit courtroom after pleading guilty last month to three federal felonies for diesel emissions violations, which were brought to light based on information given to federal law enforcement from an internal whistleblower. A new book on the VW diesel emissions scandal by a New York Times reporter asserts that it was an American VW executive who first disclosed VW’s criminal acts to regulators.
The whistleblower named in the book: Stuart Johnson, head of VW’s Engineering and Environmental Office in the Detroit suburb of Auburn Hills, which has responsibility for VW’s interaction with U.S. regulators. read more »
U.S. Judge Sentences Volkswagen to Three-Years' Probation, Oversight
A federal judge in Detroit on Friday sentenced Volkswagen AG to three years' probation and independent oversight for the German automaker's diesel emissions scandal as part of a $4.3 billion settlement announced in January.
"This is a case of deliberate and massive fraud," U.S. District Judge Sean Cox said in approving the settlement that requires the automaker to make significant reforms. He also formally approved a $2.8 billion criminal fine as part of the sentence.
"This is a very serious and very troubling case involving an iconic automobile company," Cox added. "I just can't believe VW is in the situation it finds itself in today."
