The Fall of Rupert Stadler: The First Conviction in the Dieselgate Scandal

In a landmark development, Rupert Stadler, the former Audi boss, has become the first Volkswagen Group executive to be convicted in connection with the infamous Dieselgate scandal. Stadler, who served as Audi boss for 11 years from 2007, recently took a plea deal to avoid a prison sentence. Instead, he received a suspended sentence and a hefty fine of €1.1 million.

The Dieselgate scandal, which rocked the automotive world and beyond, began eight years ago. It involved Volkswagen Group’s deliberate installation of cheat devices in their cars to manipulate emissions tests. Stadler’s conviction comes after his admission of guilt, although he claimed that he failed to stop the sale of cars fitted with the cheat device and did not do enough to address the issue, rather than being directly involved in the scandal.

Stadler’s co-defendants, Giovanni Pamio, a former powertrain engineer, and Wolfgang Hatz, the former Porsche boss, also took similar plea deals. However, German prosecutors are determined to continue the case against Hatz and are reviewing his sentence.

The fall of Rupert Stadler marks the end of an era. During his tenure, he oversaw the growth and expansion of Audi, transforming it into the successful brand it is today. Under his leadership, Audi’s sales nearly doubled from just under one million units per year to just under two million. Stadler was known for his studious and less flamboyant approach compared to other executives in the Volkswagen Group at the time. However, despite his seemingly reserved demeanor, it is difficult to believe that he was unaware of the scandal unfolding within the company.

I had the opportunity to interview Stadler about a decade ago at the Detroit motor show. Despite the challenging environment of motor shows, where executives are bombarded with back-to-back interviews, Stadler was friendly and provided insightful answers. What was supposed to be a brief interview turned into a substantial profile feature.

My last interaction with Stadler occurred just a few days before his arrest, at the unveiling of the Audi Q8 in Shenzhen. It was evident that something was amiss as he appeared distracted and hesitant to answer questions. Little did I know that this would be his final public appearance as Audi boss, as his arrest was imminent.

Stadler’s plea deal includes a provision that allows him to testify against future defendants in the Dieselgate case. While his admission of not doing enough to address the issue is a step forward, it falls short of providing a comprehensive account of the scandal. Given that the heads of two Volkswagen Group brands have now admitted their involvement, it is clear that the scandal extends far and wide across the group and its various brands.

If we are ever to uncover the full extent of the Dieselgate scandal and understand its inner workings, individuals must come forward and share their knowledge. Perhaps the Stadler I met in Detroit, who was open and approachable, could be the key witness when others have their day in court.

In conclusion, Rupert Stadler’s conviction marks a significant milestone in the Dieselgate scandal. While he may not be the last Volkswagen executive to face criminal charges, his plea deal offers hope for a more comprehensive understanding of the scandal. As the investigation continues, it is crucial for individuals to come forward and provide valuable testimony to shed light on this dark chapter in automotive history.