Overview

Oliver Schmidt was the General Manager of Volkswagen's Engineering and Environmental Office in Auburn Hills; Michigan; responsible for emissions compliance with U.S. regulators. He played a key role in the Dieselgate scandal; in which VW installed "defeat devices" in approximately 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide (580;000 in the U.S.) that detected when emissions tests were being run and temporarily reduced nitrogen oxide emissions to pass regulatory standards; while emitting up to 40 times the legal limit during normal driving. Schmidt was arrested at Miami International Airport on January 7; 2017; while attempting to flee the country; having been tipped off that U.S. authorities were closing in. He had booked a one-way ticket to Germany. Schmidt pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and violation of the Clean Air Act. He was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison and fined $400;000; the longest sentence of any VW executive. He served as a liaison between VW's German headquarters and U.S. regulators; helping to conceal the fraud even after the EPA began investigating. The broader scandal cost VW over $33 billion in fines; settlements; and vehicle buybacks; and former CEO Martin Winterkorn was indicted but remains in Germany beyond U.S. extradition reach.

Key Affiliations

Controversies & Concerns

Related Investigations (2)

Known Associates & Connections

Sources & Documentation

1 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports