Volkswagen Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn has quit amid growing pressure over the falsification of US emissions tests in the biggest scandal in the 78-year history of the world’s largest carmaker.

News emerged as Winterkorn faced a reckoning with his board at the
company’s headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Winterkorn said in a statement: “Volkswagen needs a fresh start – also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation.”

A decision will be made about his successor on Friday.