Martin Winterkorn has resigned as Volkswagen CEO following the scandal surrounding the emissions of its diesel-powered vehicles.
“Volkswagen needs a fresh start – also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation,” announced Winterkorn in a written statement.
On September 18, 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a notice of violation that alleges Volkswagen used special software that circumvents EPA emissions standards for certain air pollutants.
The EPA went on to say that the software known as a “defeat device” can detect when the vehicle is undergoing laboratory testing, and turns on full emissions controls only during the test. This means that the vehicles meet emissions standards in official testing but can emit nitrogen oxides up to 40 times the standard under regular operation, added the EPA.
Environment Canada said an estimated 100,000 Volkswagen and Audi diesel vehicles from the 2009-2015 model years were sold in Canada. It said it has launched its own investigation into the matter.
Volkswagen Canada has told its dealers to stop selling the affected diesel-powered vehicles, including the Jetta, Beetle, Golf, Passat, and Golf Wagon/Sportwagon.
Merchant Law Group LLP in Canada announced a national class action suit against Volkswagen. The law firm said a B.C. Supreme Court Class Action was filed with the Court in Vancouver against Volkswagen, and that the company’s lawyers will file similar lawsuits in Alberta, Ontario and Quebec
