Martin Winterkorn

“People who, like me, grew up in the 1950s and 1960s after World War II, grew up with cars.”

“Politicians are fond of criticizing others.”

“We procrastinated in the U.S., it's true. And we are changing that.”

“The violations of these diesel motors by our company go against everything that Volkswagen stands for... at this time, I don't yet have the answers to all the questions. I'm utterly sorry that we have damaged trust in this way. I offer my deepest apologies to our customers, the authorities, and to the public at large for our misconduct.”

“If you want to be promoted into the first league of carmakers, then you can't just follow suit.”

“Growth in the Chinese automobile market has exceeded everyone's expectations.”

“Americans are as they are. We have to accept this. Lots of Europeans forget that.”

“I am an emotional person, and soccer is sheer emotion. For me, it is the best way to unwind.”

“When a customer sits inside the car, then they have to have the feeling that it's an Audi - whether it's the leatherwork or the bodywork. All these things must be typically Audi.”

“The integrated automotive group of Volkswagen and Porsche is a certainty.”

“India is and will remain an important strategic growth market for the Volkswagen Group. We are convinced that VW will take on a key role in the Indian automobile market in the long-term.”

“Taking the third step before the first would be fatal.”

“The two inventions of the century, the car and the computer, are gradually coming closer together.”

“The Volkswagen Group offers the world's largest low-CO2 fleet.”

“The Volkswagen Group has proved that it can remain firmly on track even when the terrain is slippery.”

“Volkswagen must continue to attack and make good use of its opportunities.”

“As CEO, I accept responsibility for the irregularities that have been found in diesel engines and have therefore requested the Supervisory Board to agree on terminating my function as CEO of the Volkswagen Group.”

“I clearly say yes to Big Data, yes to greater security and convenience, but no to paternalism and Big Brother.'”

“There are always opportunities one cannot pass up.”

“The European auto industry made a commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an average of 140 grams per kilometer. But then there was a significant change in what customers wanted in their vehicles.”