Martin Winterkorn

Volkswagen CEO steps down, takes responsibility for scandal

No replacement was announced, and VW still has no easy exit from a scandal that has suddenly dented the reputation for trustworthiness it spent decades building.

Winterkorn took responsibility for the "irregularities" found by U.S. inspectors in VW's diesel engines, but insisted he was "not aware of any wrongdoing on my part."

"Volkswagen needs a fresh start — also in terms of personnel," his statement said. "I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation."