Ex-Audi CEO Clams Up, Wants Out of the Clink

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

Former Audi CEO Rupert Stadler’s “How I spent My Summer Vacation” story isn’t likely to make any of us jealous. The one-time top dog at the German luxury automaker has cooled his heels in a Bavarian jail ever since German authorities arrested him on suspicion of fraud back in June. Stadler’s arrest served as a shocking escalation in Germany’s investigation into Volkswagen Group’s diesel emissions scandal.

It seems like time behind bars is getting to Stadler. As the suspended executive attempts to gain his release from prison, new details have emerged over the reasons for his arrest.

According to Reuters, Stadler has stopped giving statements to prosecutors after initially being cooperative. Munich prosecutor Andrea Mayer claims Stadler’s interrogation is complete, and the prosecutor’s office says he has appealed for his release from the Augsburg prison. The Munich court hasn’t yet returned a decision.

As VW Group execs found themselves under the microscope and charges began being laid earlier this year, prosecutors tapped Stadler’s phone. The arrest came as prosecutors feared the exec was attempting to influence witnesses in the diesel affair. According to German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung, Stadler made no confession during interrogation, and maintains that there was no danger of collusion with witnesses. The questioning he faced, the newspaper claims, was “very tough.”

As Stadler attempts to spring himself from the slammer, another high-ranking Audi exec is reportedly also facing a barrage of questions.

Audi board members suspended Stadler a day after his mid-June arrest and named sales boss Bram Schot as an interim replacement. Should be be cleared of involvement in the diesel deception, it’s assumed Stadler would return to his post.

[Image: Audi AG]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Jalop1991 Jalop1991 on Jul 19, 2018

    Did someone say Colonel Klink?

  • Hamish42 Hamish42 on Jul 20, 2018

    I'm pissed because he conspired to put millions of vehicles on the road whose emissions pose a health hazard to my children. I hope they hang him out to dry.

  • TCowner We've had a 64.5 Mustang in the family for the past 40 years. It is all original, Rangoon Red coupe with 289 (one of the first instead of the 260), Rally Pac, 4-speed, factory air, every option. Always gets smiles and thumbs ups.
  • ToolGuy This might be a good option for my spouse when it becomes available -- thought about reserving one but the $500 deposit is a little too serious. Oh sorry, that was the Volvo EX30, not the Mustang. Is Volvo part of Ford? Is the Mustang an EV? I'm so confused.
  • Mikey My late wife loved Mustangs ..We alway rented one while travelling . GM blood vetoed me purchasing one . 3 years after retirement bought an 08 rag top, followed by a 15 EB Hard top, In 18 i bought a low low mileage 05 GT rag with a stick.. The car had not been properly stored. That led to rodent issues !! Electrical nightmare. Lots of bucks !! The stick wasn't kind to my aging knees.. The 05 went to a long term dedicated Mustang guy. He loves it .. Today my garage tenant is a sweet 19 Camaro RS rag 6yl Auto. I just might take it out of hibernation this weekend. The Mustang will always hold a place in my heart.. Kudos to Ford for keeping it alive . I refuse to refer to the fake one by that storied name .
  • Ajla On the Mach-E, I still don't like it but my understanding is that it helps allow Ford to continue offering a V8 in the Mustang and F-150. Considering Dodge and Ram jumped off a cliff into 6-cylinder land there's probably some credibility to that story.
  • Ajla If I was Ford I would just troll Stellantis at all times.
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