Dieselgate: Volkswagen claims more than EUR 1bn from ex-boss Winterkorn (press) - France 24

Frankfurt (AFP)

German auto giant Volkswagen is claiming more than a billion euros from its former boss, Martin Winterkorn, and damages from other executives, all accused of negligence in the rigged diesel engine case, several say on Friday. media.

The supervisory board of the Wolfsburg group is claiming this large sum from insurers with which Volkswagen has taken out coverage for directors' liability, according to the Bavarian daily Süddeutsche Zeitung and regional radio stations NDR and WDR.

Contacted by AFP, Mr. Winterkorn's entourage and the Volkswagen group declined to comment.

The German manufacturer announced at the end of March its intention to claim compensation from its former bosses, without giving any amount.

More than a billion euros are claimed from Mr Winterkorn and much smaller amounts from four other former executives, including Rupert Stadler, long-time boss of the premium car subsidiary Audi, according to the press.

These ex-managers are protected by insurance in the event of a "negligent breach" in the exercise of their function, exactly the angle of attack chosen by Volkswagen, which now wants to use this insurance clause.

Mr Winterkorn "violated his duty of care" by failing, as group boss, "to explain the background to the use of unauthorized software functions" in diesel engines, a commissioned law firm wrote. by the group.

German justice sees in MM.

Winterkorn and Stadler are mainly responsible for cheating the group with twelve brands involving 11 million diesel vehicles, to make them appear less polluting than they actually were.

Volkswagen has now drawn a line on much of the scandal that erupted in September 2015 and which earned it a bill exceeding 30 billion euros, the largest of which was paid in the United States.

This manufacturer's approach is part of amicable negotiations which must be conducted with the managers and their insurers.

These discussions could end in court if no agreement is reached.

Without a direct link to the present proceedings, the criminal trial of Mr. Stadler began in September 2020. That of Mr. Winterkorn, twice postponed due to the pandemic, is due to open in September.

© 2021 AFP