A source close to Volkswagen's works council revealed that the automaker spent up to 3.6 billion euros ($4.04 billion) in 2018 to certify its vehicle fleet under the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) emissions standard, according to reports.
The figure, initially disclosed by German magazine Der Spiegel, emerged amid pressure from works council leader Bernd Osterloh, who criticized the company for allowing significant financial losses without accountability. Osterloh stated, "It cannot be that billions are wasted, and this has no consequences," in a statement to Braunschweiger Zeitung.
The disclosure highlights ongoing challenges automakers face in adapting to stricter emissions regulations. Volkswagen's compliance efforts underscore the financial risks associated with regulatory changes in the automotive industry.
Reporting by Jan Schwartz; Writing by Edward Taylor; Editing by Sabine Wollrab and Thomas Seythal
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