Volkswagen : draws first consequences as a result of animal tests

Volkswagen has drawn the first consequences in connection with the animal tests financed by the European Research Group on Environment and Health in the Transport Sector (EUGT e.V., Europäische Forschungsvereinigung für Umwelt und Gesundheit im Transportsektor). At its meeting today, the Board of Management accepted the proposal made by Dr. Thomas Steg, Head of Group External Relations and Sustainability, that he be suspended.

Thomas Steg is a General Representative of the Volkswagen Group and will remain suspended from his duties until these matters have been fully investigated. 'We are currently in the process of investigating the work of the EUGT, which was dissolved in 2017, and drawing all the necessary consequences. Mr. Steg has declared that he will assume full responsibility. I respect his decision,' said the CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, Matthias Müller, on Tuesday.

The investigations of these matters are being pursued intensively. The duties of Mr. Steg will be assumed on an acting basis by Jens Hanefeld, who is responsible for International and European Policy.