Volkswagen drama: From the discovery of emissions cheating to Martin Winterkorn’s resignation, here’s everything that’s happened so far
It's one of the surprising stories in modern business: Volkswagen, an emblem of lean, mean, efficient German manufacturing, has been rocked it after it emerged millions of its behicles contained software that allowed them to "cheat" emissions tests.
The scandal has led to the recall of millions of cars, the resignation of its chief executive – and the suspension of at least four other executives.
How and when did the events unfold? Here's a roundup.
| 18 September | A New York Times report suggests VW has been told to recall nearly 500,000 of its cars by the Obama administration, which suggests the company has been using software to dodge environmental standards for reducing smog. |
| 21 September | Some €16bn (£11.6bn) is wiped off VW's share price as more details of the scandal emerge. Later that day, it's reported that the company is the target of a US criminal investigation. |
| 22 September | Experts warn that the scandal could affect "millions" of cars in Europe. Later that day as shares continue to slide, the company says it has set aside €6.5bn to deal with the scandal – while rumours begin to circulate that chief executive Martin Winterkorn |