Emissions scandal: VW could start mass recall in January

Volkswagen’s new boss says the company could start recalling the 11 million cars affected by the emissions scandal in January and they will all be fixed by the end of next year. Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper, CEO Matthias Mueller also said only a few employees were involved in rigging emission levels on diesel engines at the German carmaker. Mr Mueller refuted suggestions his predecessor Martin Winterkorn must have known about the practice. Mueller warned on Tuesday that VW faced “massive cutbacks” as a result of the fall-out from the scandal.

This crisis gives us an opportunity to overhaul Volkswagen’s structures.

CEO Matthias Mueller

Mr Mueller told the newspaper VW will need to become smaller and less centralised, adding that every model and brand will be scrutinised for its contribution to the company. He said he expects the company can “shine again” within two or three years. VW has said it will set aside €6.5bn (£4.9bn) to cover costs associated with the scandal. That sum is expected to grow considerably in the coming months as VW faces the prospect of legal action from regulators and drivers. The bill is also likely to be exacerbated by falling sales. The company currently employs almost 600,000 people worldwide.

We want to make the company slimmer, more decentralised and give the brands more responsibility.

CEO Matthias Mueller

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