The criminal trial of ex-Volkswagen boss Martin Winterkorn for his role in the diesel emissions cheating scandal will last more than a year, according to a schedule released on Thursday by the court in western Germany.
The trial of Winterkorn, once one of Germany's best-known and most powerful businessmen, is scheduled to begin in September 2024 and continue into September 2025, according to the Braunschweig Regional Court.
Winterkorn, who will be 77 years old when the trial begins, is accused of fraud, making false statements and market manipulation.
The allegations relate to the scandal that rocked German auto giant Volkswagen after regulators in the United States discovered in 2015 that VW diesel vehicles had been specifically programmed to cheat on emissions testing.
Software installed on the vehicles caused them to operate with emissions controls during regulatory testing, but burned far dirtier in violation of US environmental standards during real-world operations.
Winterkorn, who had served as Volkswagen chief executive since 2007, resigned in September 2015 amid the fallout of the "dieselgate" scandal.
He was scheduled to stand trial alongside other Volkswagen executives in 2021, but Winterkorn's proceedings were separated and delayed due to health concerns.
A court medical report released in February said that Winterkorn should be physically fit to stand trial in September.
Earlier this year, Winterkorn rejected any criminal responsibility for the emissions manipulation scandal while testifying in a major civil lawsuit against Volkswagen brought by investors.
"I consider these allegations to be unfounded," Winterkorn testified in February.
Winterkorn is also expected to give further testimony in the civil case. His lengthy testimony was interrupted this spring due to a medical operation, and it is unclear when he will return to the witness stand.