"I am shocked by the events of the past few days. Above all, I am stunned that misconduct on such a scale was possible in the Volkswagen Group," Winterkorn said in a statement.
"Volkswagen needs a fresh start -- also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation."
Volkswagen will announce a new CEO on Friday, a board member said.
German public prosecutors said they have launched a preliminary criminal inquiry into the pollution cheating scandal that has engulfed the auto giant.
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