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The saga began to unravel in 2015 when the California Air Resources Board (CARB) discovered discrepancies in the emissions levels of Volkswagen vehicles. Collaborating with students from West Virginia University to investigate these anomalies, they uncovered shocking results: Volkswagen cars were emitting nitrogen oxides at rates 40 times above the legal limit.
This revelation ignited a firestorm, turning the spotlight on Winterkorn and leading to widespread investigations by both U.S. and European regulators. Volkswagen was found guilty of violating the Clean Air Act, eroding investor confidence overnight and decimating the company's stock value.