It was the perfect time for Diess to arrive – the Dieselgate scandal was just about to blow up, but unlike any of his peers at the company he was not tainted by association. Even now there is a tremendous lack of clarity about who knew what at executive level in the company, and who can be held responsible for the emissions scandal.
Diess was given the responsibility of shoring up the company for what were clearly going to be a difficult few years. Initially butting up against union resistance, it seemed like his days were numbered, but he managed to push through the measures he needed.
Audi and Volkswagen are the two brands to have suffered the most through the emissions difficulties, and the fact that Diess has managed to emerge with a strengthened reputation is indeed impressive. Even more impressive is the fact that the company remains profitable despite the millions in fines, hundreds of thousands of cars recalled and the drop in sales across European markets.
The Volkswagen supervisory board is clearly taking a gamble on a safe pair of hands, hoping that the 59-year-old Diess will prove the wartime leader necessary for restoring a reputation that remains in need of heavy work.
Source: motor1
