Overview

• Jens Hadler, Volkswagen's former head of engine development, was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison, while Hanno Jelden received a 2-year, 7-month sentence.
• Heinz-Jakob Neusser and an unnamed executive were given suspended sentences of 1 year, 3 months and 1 year, 10 months, respectively.
• The court found the executives knowingly participated in the manipulation of emissions data through illegal software designed to falsify test results.
• The diesel emissions scandal, uncovered in 2015 by U.S. authorities, has cost Volkswagen over €30 billion in damages and severely impacted its reputation.
• Legal proceedings remain ongoing for 31 additional defendants, while the trial of former CEO Martin Winterkorn is suspended due to health issues.