Stefan Knirsch, Audi’s head of technical development, faces a suspension as part of the investigation into an emissions scandal.
According to Autonews, findings so far show that Knirsch, a board member at the Volkswagen Group subsidiary, knew about the cheat software in the 3.0-liter V6 TDI engines.
Audi has already admitted that their 3.0-liter V6 diesel did come with emissions-control software, which has been deemed illegal in the US, where the Dieselgate scandal initiated.
Ironically, earlier this year Knirsch was quoted as saying: “We don’t have the four-eye principal, it’s more like the six or eight-eye principal. That is a very normal reaction once you’ve undergone something like this. And, we are extending this beyond the exhaust emissions issue by looking at every software process in R&D within the entire company. We are taking preventive measures to make sure something like this cannot happen again.”
This was of course way before anybody pointed the finger at Audi’s tech chief, who happened to be the automaker’s former head of engine development. Knirsch succeeded Ulrich Hackenberg, who himself quit after being suspended because of his association with the development of the VW Group engine found at the center of the scandal.
Reports say that Knirsch has already been asked to clear out his desk, though spokesmen for the VW Group, Audi or Audi’s works council have yet to comment on the matter.
PHOTO
