Some eight years after the Dieselgate scandal started to rock the automotive world and beyond, the first Volkswagen Group executive has been convicted following an admission of guilt – of sorts.

Rupert Stadler was Audi boss for 11 years from 2007, the last three of which were served with a brass neck, the scandal having hit and the reconciliation process had begun. 

When facing a prison sentence last month, he took a plea deal to escape with a suspended sentence and a fine (albeit a seven-figure one of €1.1