At Least 30 Volkswagen Managers Implicated in Emissions Scandal

About 30 Volkswagen managers allegedly colluded to rig the tests of company's cars, according to a media report.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — At least 30 Volkswagen managers are thought to be involved in the scandal surrounding the automaker’s rigging of US emissions tests, Germany’s Spiegel magazine cited sources close to an internal inquiry as saying Wednesday.

VW is accused of fitting its diesel cars with software that detect when the engine is being tested and changing its performance results to meet US emissions standards.

Der Spiegel said investigators initially talked of a "small group" of managers who had colluded to rig the tests, but insiders now suspect dozens to be involved. Those found to be complicit will reportedly be put on leave of absence.

VW’s EA189-type diesel engines have been tested exhaustively since 2008. "The fact that these engines met standards without expensive emissions control devices should have made any engine developer suspicious," the outlet quoted a VW manager as saying.

New VW chief executive Matthias Mueller has vowed to leave no stone unturned in investigating the scandal, a process expected to cost the automaker billions of dollars in fines, legal fees and brand rebuilding. On Thursday, VW's top managers will meet in Dresden to get updates on the probe.