BusinessCompany News

Actions

Volkswagen Pleads Guilty In Emissions Cheating Scandal

Volkswagen admitted to fraud and obstruction of justice after putting defeat devices in its diesel vehicles.
Posted at 4:33 PM, Mar 10, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-10 16:33:07-05

Volkswagen has officially taken responsibility for its emissions cheating scandal.

The German automaker pleaded guilty to fraud and obstruction of justice charges. Its cars were found to have defeat devices — software that let the cars beat emissions tests, then emit pollutants over the legal limit while being driven.

The plea is part of a settlement that could cost Volkswagen more than $20 billion worldwide in fines and civil settlements.

But that still won't put an end to the scandal. Six executives are also facing charges in the U.S. One was arrested, and the other five are likely in Germany.

Volkswagen's sentence will be handed down in April.