End-Nov deadline for scandal whistle-blowers

Volkswagen has set a deadline at the end of November for its whistle-blower programme designed to encourage workers to disclose information about the carmaker's two emissions scandals in a move to speed up investigations. Under the whistle-blower programme, approved by Volkswagen's top management, workers who get in touch with internal investigators no later than Nov. 30 will be exempt from dismissals and damage claims, according to a letter from Volkswagen brand chief Herbert Diess to staff seen by Reuters on Thursday. "We are counting on your cooperation and knowledge as our company's employees to get to the bottom of the diesel and CO2 issue," Diess was quoted as saying in the document. "In this process, every single day counts."