Stefan Knirsch, Audi’s head of Powertrain Development will leave the company effective immediately, according to an official statement.

Last week German media reported that Knirsch had knowledge about the use of the defeat device software in 3.0-litre diesel engines, despite having given a promise under oath according to investigations by U.S. law firm Jones Day.

“Dr. Stefan Knirsch, Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG for Technical Development, is stepping down from his position with immediate effect and is leaving the company in agreement with the Supervisory Board”, read Audi’s official statement without providing more details.

Knirsch became head of Powertrain Development last January, succeeding Ulrich Hackenberg who quit after he was found associated with the development of the EA 189 engine that sits at the eye of the whole Dieselgate tornado.

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