VW chief says ‘sorry’ to Obama

VOLKSWAGEN chief executive Matthias Mueller has apologised in person to US president Barack Obama for the car-maker’s emissions scandal.

He said he held a “two-minute” conversation with the president during his visit to Hanover, Germany, this week.

“I took the opportunity to apologise to him,” Mr Mueller said. “I also expressed my thanks for the constructive co-operation with his authorities and naturally expressed the hope that I can continue to fulfil my responsibilities for 600,000 workers, their families, the suppliers, the dealers.”

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could levy fines of up to 18 billion $US (£12.4bn), but analysts think the punishment will not be so drastic.