Merkel: 'VW is Working On This With All of Its Power' - Including Asking Workers to Roll Over

Aaron Cole
by Aaron Cole

On her weekly podcast, German Prime Minister Angela Merkel said Volkswagen’s scandal hasn’t harmed the German automobile industry’s image, but that the automaker would need to conduct its investigation with transparency to restore faith in the country’s industry.

“A lot will depend on how Volkswagen deals with the issue,” Merkel said, according to Reuters.

Separately, sources told German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung ( via Reuters) that the automaker, under pressure from investigators, is offering amnesty to employees who reveal what they knew about its cheating devices. Amnesty won’t apply to top-level managers, according to the report.

Rank-and-file workers would be able to keep their jobs and escape damage claims if they tell investigators what they know about the cheating device that has cost the automaker billions so far.

Volkswagen hired U.S. law firm Jones Day to conduct its internal investigation. So far, several executives have been suspended, according to reports including Volkswagen’s quality control chief Frank Tuch was suspended for “incriminating letters.”

Between 10 and 30 engineers may have been responsible for the illegal software designed to cheat emissions controls.

Volkswagen hasn’t said when its investigation would be complete.

Aaron Cole
Aaron Cole

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  • Dusterdude Dusterdude on Nov 01, 2015

    I believe most TTAC visitors don't have an issue With the frequency of vw articles --- the breadth Of the story justifies it !

  • Kosmo Kosmo on Nov 01, 2015

    I guess it would just be too simple to fine them a bit, donate the next 5 years of their independently audited profits to various worldwide charities, fire a bunch of the true crooks, and call it a day? I know the lawyers wouldn't get their money, and politicians wouldn't get their face time, but it's not like these cars are killing anybody (ridiculous risk assessment mathematics aside), and I, for one, would hate to see what the disappearance of VW would mean to workers and economies around the world.

    • Jmo Jmo on Nov 01, 2015

      Math is ridiculous? Good to know.

  • SoCalMikester SoCalMikester on Nov 01, 2015

    i know a couple owners that are only upset because they think the "fix" is going to harm their mileage and performance but are otherwise happy

  • Bjchase55 Bjchase55 on Nov 02, 2015

    My big concern in all this....will they be bringing in more Golf R in 2016?! =)

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