Porsche Engine Boss Arrested in Dieselgate Probe

“Porsche does not develop or produce any diesel engines or diesel software,” Chairman Oliver Blume says. “The prosecution accuses Porsche was aware impermissible control equipment was installed. We reject this accusation.”

Greg Kable, Contributor

April 20, 2018

1 Min Read
Macan among Porsche diesels allegedly fitted with emissionscheating software
Macan among Porsche diesels allegedly fitted with emissions-cheating software.

STUTTGART, Germany – German authorities arrest Porsche powertrain development boss Jörg Kerner on suspicion of fraud related to the Dieselgate emissions manipulation scandal.

The Stuttgart public prosecutor’s office says the 48-year-old engineer was arrested Thursday, April 19, following a raid on offices and homes belonging to high-ranking Porsche officials.

Earlier in the week, German media reports suggested Porsche R&D chief Michael Steiner also was among the Volkswagen Group officials being investigated for possible involvement and/or knowledge of matters relating to the manipulation of diesel emissions via secret software programs.

A spokesperson for the Stuttgart public prosecutor’s office would not confirm to WardsAuto whether Steiner was being investigated.

In a statement issued Friday on the accusations being leveled at Porsche and its employees relating to the installation of so-called defeat devices in various diesel models, including the Macan and Cayenne, Porsche Chairman Oliver Blume says: “Porsche does not develop or produce any diesel engines or diesel software. The prosecution accuses Porsche was aware impermissible control equipment was installed. We reject this accusation.”

VW Group supplies Porsche diesel engines.

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About the Author

Greg Kable

Contributor

Greg Kable has reported about the global automotive industry for over 35 years, providing in-depth coverage of its products and evolving technologies. Based in Germany, he is an award-winning journalist known for his extensive insider access and a contact book that includes the names of some of the most influential figures in the automotive world.

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