Volleyball Federation's President Faces Lengthy Imprisonment in Volkswagen Scandal
Jens Hadler Resigns as President of German Boxing Association Amid Volkswagen Emissions Scandal Conviction
Jens Hadler, a prominent figure in the German Boxing Association (DBV) who provided "impulses" for the association's development, has stepped down following his conviction in the Volkswagen emissions scandal. Hadler served as head of diesel engine development at VW, and the Braunschweig Regional Court found him guilty of aggravated fraud connected to the sale of over 2.3 million vehicles equipped with illegal emissions software [1][2].
Effective immediately, Mir Farid Vatanparast has been unanimously elected as Hadler's successor, leading the association's affairs as a co-opted president until the election congress. Hadler praised the executive board's leadership during the transition and expressed confidence in Vatanparast.
The DBV highlighted Hadler's significant contributions to the association's growth and his open and transparent communication about theongoing proceedings in Braunschweig to state associations, the board, and sports-related institutions. The association emphasized that Hadler always prioritized the DBV's well-being and its national and international reputation.
This week, four former Volkswagen managers were convicted of fraud in connection with the emissions scandal, which erupted in September 2015. Volkswagen admitted to installing illegal software in certain diesel engines of the Volkswagen, Seat, Audi, and Skoda brands, reducing emissions on the test bench but not on the road. Worldwide, eleven million cars were affected according to the company's figures, and the Volkswagen Group has paid over 32 billion euros in fines, compensation, and legal costs so far [2].
The Braunschweig verdict affects 2.3 million vehicles from VW, amounting to 2.1 billion euros in damage [3]. The harshest sentence, four and a half years in prison without suspension, was given to Hadler, who was considered "at the heart of the matter" [3]. Hadler's conviction, along with the sentences of the three other former managers with the highest sentences, makes up a significant portion of the manipulated cars and total damage.
The shift towards cleaner, more environment-friendly technologies in the automotive sector has accelerated due to the emissions scandal [2]. Before 2015, diesel cars dominated more than half of Europe's automotive market, but their share has dropped to around 10% of new car sales following the scandal [2].
[1] Jens Hadler's Role in the Volkswagen Emissions Scandal:http://www.autonews.com/article/20160701/OEM06/160709988/vws-embattled-vw-exec-hadler-reportedly-taking-leave
[2] Impact of the Volkswagen Emissions Scandal:https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/22/business/europe/diesel-car-emissions-scandal.html
[3] Source: ntv.de, tsi/sid/AFP/dpa
Categories: Boxing, Volkswagen, Emissions Scandal, Scandals and Affairs
- The Commission, in discussions about a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, might consider the consequences of Jens Hadler's involvement in the Volkswagen emissions scandal.
- In the realm of industry and finance, the Volkswagen emissions scandal has led to a shift towards cleaner, more environment-friendly technologies.
- Energy and fintech policy-and-legislation could potentially address the consequences of the emissions scandal, as the industry faces increased scrutiny.
- The sports-betting sector, like other sectors affected by political scandals, may learn from the Volkswagon emissions scandal about transparency and ethical practices.
- In the context of crime-and-justice, Hadler's conviction serves as a reminder for individuals in positions of power to prioritize the law and ethical conduct, as the implications can reach beyond their immediate sphere, such as sports associations like the DBV.
