Porsche Engine Boss Arrested in Dieselgate Probe

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.

Jörg Kerner.

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.