Posted on 12/27/2017 8:36:12 AM PST by GonzoII
Volkswagen executive Oliver Schmidt was imprisoned for 7 years in the US for his role in the diesel emissions scandal. But his lawyer says the sentence is unfair and that he was only acting on management orders.
Alexander Sättele, defense attorney for imprisoned Volkswagen manager Oliver Schmidt, said his client was following instructions from VW’s management in the Dieselgate scandal.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Sättele told Handelsblatt that Mr. Schmidt has become a symbolic figure in criminal investigations into the scandal and was forced to take responsibility for actions beyond his control.
(Excerpt) Read more at global.handelsblatt.com ...
Still using the "Nuremberg defense" after all these years?
“I was just following orders”
Maybe. My first thought, though, is that usually the ones responsible actually escape punishment and someone beneath them in rank is made to be the scapegoat.
All EU auto mpg estimates have been fudged and unrealistic for years, with the cooperation of EU governments. Who was to know diesels would be expected to report real facts?
There will probably be a mass exodus of VW management types to Argentina.... LOL
That was a good one!
Nice!
Just like Sgt. Shultz, “I know nothing!”
In fairness to VW execs, the appeals will be held at Nuremburg.
Hummmm, lying about their Environmental Pollution Science data, we should apply this standard to anyone who lies about "Climate Science" data.
My question is this:
Why would a multi-national manufacturer of automobiles take such an enormous risk? Could it be that the regulations are so unrealistic and onerous that they would take such a gamble knowing that if they got caught all hell would rain down on them. To satisfy the requirements you have to strangle a motor. I would buy one of these cars as is no doubt.
Now there’s a witty post right there. You’re on deck for the post of the day.
Had one-a beetle. The best car I ever had. 54 MPG on the highway and about 40 in town. And it would go 120 MPH.
It died at 340 thousand miles after my wife busted the oil pan on it and ran it dry on oil.
Thing is - every other US market auto maker with a diesel engine met those requirements and made an engine that would (and in most cases did) sell. VW decided that they were big enough that they didn’t have to comply, they didn’t want to spend any money, and they just went ahead and lied.
Every other maker, including smaller and much less well funded ones, complied. VW didn’t. In fact, Mercedes and VW were in a development agreement to make compliant engine tech - VW pulled out and Merc brought the tech to market instead.
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