Merkel plays down impact of VW scandal on German image

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday said the emissions scandal that has hit car giant Volkswagen was "dramatic" but would not inflict lasting damage on Germany's reputation. In an interview with public broadcaster Deutschlandradio, Merkel stressed Volkswagen would now have to provide the "necessary transparency". Volkswagen, a champion of German industry, has admitted that up to 11 million diesel vehicles worldwide have been fitted with the so-called defeat device.