Former Audi CEO to be released from detention

Rupert Stadler, the former Chief Executive of premium-car maker Audi AG, will be released from pre-trial detention even as the investigation over diesel-emission manipulation against him continues, a German court said on Tuesday.

Stadler was arrested in June following a probe into the German car maker's emissions cheating. He remains a strong suspect and will only be released under certain conditions, the Munich Higher Regional Court was cited as saying by Efe news.

Prosecutors arrested Stadler citing evidence that he was planning to interfere with their investigation.

Stadler has in the past said that he had no prior knowledge that illegal software was installed on Volkswagen or Audi engines.

Under the conditions set by the court, Stadler was required to "refrain from contact with all persons relevant to the investigation", the report said.

In order to enforce the ban, he was required to post bail, the court said.

Audi parent Volkswagen said at the beginning of October that Stadler will leave both companies.

--IANS

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