Audi Replaces Development Chief in Wake of Manipulation Scandal
- Knirsch takes R&D role from Hackenberg, who has been on leave
- Audi to rework 3-liter engine software amid wider EPA probe
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Audi AG named Stefan Knirsch to run the luxury-car maker’s research and development, replacing 30-year company veteran Ulrich Hackenberg as parent Volkswagen AG seeks a way out of a scandal over manipulation of vehicle emissions.
With Knirsch’s appointment, “we will make a strong new start in this challenging situation,” Audi Chief Executive Officer Rupert Stadler said in a statement late Thursday. Knirsch, 49, returned to Audi in May 2013 as head of powertrain operations after stints at sports-car maker Porsche and Rheinmetall AG’s automotive-parts unit.