By Max Bernhard 
 

Volkswagen AG's (VOW.XE) premium car maker Audi AG (NSU.XE) on Tuesday appointed Abraham Schot as interim chief executive, after current CEO Rupert Stadler was arrested in connection with an investigation into emissions cheating on Monday.

Mr. Stadler was released from his duties at Audi and from the management board of Volkswagen at his request, the company said.

"This release applies temporarily, until the circumstances that led to his arrest have been clarified," Audi said.

Mr. Stadler was arrested Monday morning in connection to an investigation into his involvement in the emissions scandal of Audi and parent company Volkswagen. Prosecutors said there were "concrete indications" that he had tried to influence people and other suspects in the probe.

Mr. Schot has been on Audi's management board as the head of sales and marketing since September 2017.

Write to Max Bernhard at max.bernhard@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

June 19, 2018 07:52 ET (11:52 GMT)