[7] In July 2022, following discontent from labor representatives, Volkswagen announced that Diess had resigned as CEO and would leave the company by the end of August.

Executives were charged with withholding information from shareholders about the huge financial implications due to the scandal, which gained much media attention.

This follows after the investigation finding that Volkswagen's rigged millions of diesel cars worldwide to cheat on emissions tests, which led the company to lose over $30 billion.

However Volkswagen defended themselves: "The company has meticulously investigated this matter with the help of internal and external legal experts for almost four years ... the result is clear: the allegations are groundless.

"[11] This claim is offered despite the fact that Olivier Schmidt, a VW executive was convicted in the US over the matter and sentenced to seven years imprisonment.