Which Volkswagen CEO resigned in 2015 after the diesel-emissions cheating scandal broke?

Martin Winterkorn resigned as Volkswagen chief executive in 2015 after the diesel-emissions cheating scandal broke.

Winterkorn had led Volkswagen since 2007. In September 2015, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice alleging that Volkswagen diesel vehicles used software designed to recognize emissions tests and alter engine behavior during testing.

The company acknowledged the use of defeat-device software in affected vehicles. Real-world nitrogen-oxide emissions could therefore be much higher than the levels recorded during laboratory tests. The disclosure triggered recalls, lawsuits, criminal investigations, and regulatory penalties in several countries.

Winterkorn resigned on September 23, 2015, saying he accepted responsibility as chief executive, while stating that he was not aware of the misconduct. The scandal affected Volkswagen and other diesel brands in its group, but Volkswagen was the company at the center of the original U.S. case.