VW to Stand Trial for Dieselgate in France—10 Years Later

Nearly a decade after being caught for employing and lying about its toxin-spewing diesel engines, French authorities are ordering Volkswagen AG to stand for a criminal trial.

Agence France-Press is reporting VW is accused of deceit "concerning goods that endanger human and animal health," according to Bloomberg News. VW did not have immediate comment to the news service. Hearings are not expected to start until 2027.

"Scout Motors has not shared any timing or product update announcements," the company said in a statement to AutoGuide.

More than 11 million diesel-powered cars around the world, including half a million in the United States were found to have engines that emitted more toxins that regulators allowed, as much as 40 times the limit in some cases. The engines, many of which employed 'defeat devices' were used to meet local rules, when in fact they were still producing more toxins than it appeared.

The scandal forced the resignations of countless VW executives, including its long-time CEO Martin Winterkorn, and served as a reckoning for the German automaker, which had been on an ambitious growth plan. Governments, including the U.S. Congress hauled VW leaders in for hearings, and the company was fined billions of dollars.

Volkswagen's Dieselgate is one of the most significant automotive scandals this century, ranking with Takata airbags, Toyota unintended acceleration and General Motors ignition switches.

VW's diesel scandal was so deep, it cast a pall over the entire diesel technology, bringing Mercedes, Stellantis and other automaker's powertrains under investigation. It also prompted Volkswagen's ambitious shift to electric cars and investment in alternative propulsion in an effort to win back sales and consumer trust.