The supervisory boards of the Volkswagen Group and Audi have “consented to the conclusion of an agreement” with Rupert Stadler on the termination of his contract as a member of the board and Audi CEO.

A statement from the VW Group confirmed Stadler “is leaving the companies with immediate effect and will no longer work for the Volkswagen Group”.

The statement added Stadler was “doing so because, due to his ongoing pretrial detention, he is unable to fulfil his duties as a member of the board of management and wishes to concentrate on his defence”.

“The contractual execution depends on the course and outcome of the criminal proceedings,” it added.

In June, the 55-year-old Stadler – who had worked for Audi since 1990 – was taken into custody in connection with the VW Group’s diesel emissions cheating scandal.

In July, the VW Group confirmed Markus Duesmann, BMW’s head of purchasing and suppliers, had signed an agreement to move from the Munich-based brand, igniting rumours that he would eventually be named Audi CEO.

Original article from Car