Former Volkswagen Diesel Boss Suspended Following Investigation

Volkswagen’s head of diesel engine development from 2006-2010 has reportedly been suspended.

Falko Rudolph was in charge of the German automaker’s diesel engine development during the time of the company’s massive scandal and Reuters is reporting he has been suspended following an internal investigation. Although it has been unconfirmed, Rudolph’s suspension would follow Audi R&D boss Ulrich Hackenburg, Volkswagen R&D chief Heinz Jakob Neusser, and Porsche board member Wolfgang Hatz. Chairman and CEO Martin Winterkorn has already resigned and former Skoda boss Winfried Vahland and Christian Klinger, VW Group’s head of sales and marketing have also left the company.

SEE ALSO: Germany Orders Recall of 2.4M Volkswagen Diesels

Recently, Volkswagen denied a report that claimed at least 30 managers are involved with the diesel scandal. Volkswagen U.S. CEO Michael Horn claims that the decision to cheat on diesel emissions tests was made by “a couple of engineers.”

If these suspensions prove to be true, then it’s likely that the Volkswagen diesel scandal runs deep. Considering the German automaker isn’t able to sell its 2016 model year diesel vehicles in the U.S. after having withdrawn its EPA application, it might be quite some time until dealerships are moving “clean diesel” TDI models off the lot.