Thousands of Audi vehicles once involved in the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal were discovered abandoned in a desert, sparking reminders of a scandal that cost the company billions. Known as Dieselgate, the scandal erupted in 2015 after the U.S. EPA revealed Volkswagen’s use of software designed to cheat emissions tests.
The cheated software falsified nitrogen oxide output during tests, letting cars appear compliant while polluting much more on the road. Over 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide, including Audis, Volkswagens, and Porsches, were affected.
Volkswagen paid fines close to $36 billion, and many cars were pulled from American roads and stored in places such as the California desert. The vehicles awaited retrofit fixes to meet emissions laws before being returned or exported.
Audi’s role in the scandal was significant, and several executives faced charges, including their ex-CEO Rupert Stadler, who pled guilty in 2023. The scandal not only cost money but tarnished reputations and led to losses for other German automakers, showing the broad impact of corporate misconduct.
