News

German auto supplier Continental pays 'dieselgate' fine

By AFP

April 25, 2024 06:58 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

German auto supplier Continental said Thursday it had agreed to pay a 100-million-euro ($107-million) fine to settle legal proceedings against it linked to Volkswagen's emissions-cheating scandal.

The fine was due to a "negligent breach of supervisory duties" in relation to the supply of engine control units and engine control unit software, Continental said in a statement.

The company, which makes tyres and supplies components and software for carmakers, became embroiled in the so-called "dieselgate" scandal as it was a supplier to German auto giant Volkswagen.

Ten-brand Volkswagen -- which makes models including Audi, Porsche and Seat -- admitted in 2015 it had installed software to rig emissions levels in 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide.

Public prosecutors in Hanover targeted Continental's former "powertrain" division, which was spun off to form Vitesco in 2021.

Following discussions with prosecutors and a review, Continental said it had accepted the fine and would not be appealing.

"It is important and in our own interests that we draw a line under the fine proceedings," said Continental board member Olaf Schick.

The fine will not have a significant impact on earnings in the 2024 financial year as funds had been set aside to cover any potential penalty, Continental said.

When Vitesco was spun off, it was agreed that the new company would "indemnify Continental against the ensuing costs and liabilities" -- meaning it will ultimately be responsible for paying the fine.

Criminal proceedings against former Continental employees are still ongoing, the Hanover prosecutors added.

The "dieselgate" saga is seen as Germany's biggest post-war industrial scandal. It has cost VW around 30 billion euros in fines, legal costs and compensation to car owners, mainly in the United States.

Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn is due to go on trial in September for his role in the scandal.

 

 


AFP


Most Read

  1. 20 passengers perish in Chilas bus plunge 20 passengers perish in Chilas bus plunge
  2. Daughters defend Bushra Bibi Daughters defend Bushra Bibi
  3. Pakistani-origin woman laid off by Elon Musk gives emotional reaction Pakistani-origin woman laid off by Elon Musk gives emotional reaction
  4. Pakistan's historic moon mission aboard China rocket blasts off Pakistan's historic moon mission aboard China rocket blasts off
  5. And they lived happily ever after! Ishq Murshid's last episode sparks joy among fans And they lived happily ever after! Ishq Murshid's last episode sparks joy among fans
  6. The Great Indian Kapil Show: Astonishing per-episode fees of cast revealed! The Great Indian Kapil Show: Astonishing per-episode fees of cast revealed!

Opinion

  1. PM Shehbaz Sharif, WEF and Pakistan
    PM Shehbaz Sharif, WEF and Pakistan

    By Naveed Aman Khan

  2. Employing global best practices in Pakistan-Saudi ties
    Employing global best practices in Pakistan-Saudi ties

    By Nasim Zehra

  3. PML-N smashed PTI in by-polls
    PML-N smashed PTI in by-polls

    By News Desk

  4. Riding the Digital Wave: How Technology is Rewriting the Script of Economic Prosperity
    Riding the Digital Wave: How Technology is Rewriting the Script of Economic Prosperity

    By News Desk

  5. Tax on solar energy: Govt's misplaced priorities favour powerful stakeholders over people welfare  
    Tax on solar energy: Govt's misplaced priorities favour powerful stakeholders over people welfare  

    By Manzoor Qadir

  6. Legacy of Indian military subjugation in Kashmir
    Legacy of Indian military subjugation in Kashmir

    By Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai