Ex-Volkswagen CEO Winterkorn Faces Court Over Dieselgate Scandal

Former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn appeared in court on fraud charges related to the dieselgate scandal. The trial, which started on Tuesday, addresses accusations of fraud, market manipulation, and false testimony. Winterkorn denies the charges, stating he did not harm or deceive anyone. The outcome could lead to a fine or custodial sentence.

In a significant development, former Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn appeared in court on Tuesday facing fraud charges tied to the infamous dieselgate scandal. This comes nine years after Volkswagen was exposed for rigging emissions tests.

Winterkorn, who resigned in September 2015 amid revelations that millions of VW cars were manipulated to meet environmental standards, has now become the central figure in the largest scandal in the company's history. Tuesday's hearing marks the beginning of his criminal trial, a case that has been over five years in the making.

Winterkorn entered the court in Braunschweig, Germany, without commenting on the charges, except to say he was 'doing very well.' He faces multiple charges, including fraud, market manipulation, and providing false testimony before a parliamentary committee. Through his lawyer, Winterkorn has denied the charges, asserting that he did not defraud or harm anyone. He emphasized that he told the truth to the investigating committee and did not improperly withhold information from the capital markets.