Audi CEO Stadler appeals for release from German custody

Audi’s suspended CEO Rupert Stadler has appealed to a court to be released from custody after spending month in jail, the Munich prosecutor’s office stated on Thursday.

Stadler was arrested in mid-June as part of a broader investigation into emissions cheating at the premium brand, that is part of Volkswagen Group.

He is being held at a prison located in the Bavarian city of Augsburg. A Munich court needs to review his appeal now.

Stadler initially cooperated with prosecutors but has now stopped providing statements, the prosecutor’s office stated.

Munich prosecutors are investigating Stadler and another member of Audi’s top management for alleged fraud and false advertising associated to illegal pollution levels in its automobile and manipulated auto tests.

Audi named sales executive Abraham Schot as an interim replacement with immediate effect following arrest of Stadler.