Besieged Volkswagen CEO quits over emission scandal

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned on Wednesday, taking responsibility for the German carmaker's rigging of US emissions tests in the biggest scandal in its 78-year history.

Winterkorn said in a statement on Wednesday that "Volkswagen needs a fresh start - also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation."

He said he was acting in the interests of the company "even though I am not aware of any wrongdoing on my part".