Volkswagen is facing intense scrutiny after four former executives were sentenced to prison for their roles in the emissions-cheating scandal. The verdict comes after a three-year trial in Braunschweig, Germany.
Key player Jens Hadler, who led diesel engine development, received a stiff four-and-a-half-year sentence for what judges deemed "particularly serious" fraud. His team crafted software that detected emissions tests, enabling vehicles to pass inspections while running filthy during regular use.
The issue started a decade ago, reshaping Europe’s automotive landscape. Diesel vehicles, once over half of the market, now account for just 10% of new sales. 
This scandal is a driving force behind Europe’s shift to electric vehicles. Currently, EVs and plug-in hybrids represent 25% of new car sales. In April, Volkswagen became Europe’s top EV maker, selling three times as many battery-powered cars as Tesla, according to a report by The New York Times.
The fallout continues to reshape the industry. Users are watching how this impacts Volkswagen’s future in a rapidly electrifying market.
