Emissions Scandal: VW Recall Starts In January

Volkswagen (Other OTC: VLKAF - news) 's new boss says the company will start recalling cars affected by the emissions scandal in January and they will all be fixed by the end of next year.

Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper, CEO Matthias Mueller also said only a few employees were involved in rigging emission levels on diesel engines at the German carmaker.

Mr Mueller refuted suggestions his predecessor Martin Winterkorn must have known about the practice.

Mr Winterkorn quit as Volkswagen boss last month after it was revealed that millions of diesel vehicles worldwide were fitted with software to defeat emissions testing.

The car company has warned of "massive cutbacks" in the wake of the revelations .

Mr Mueller told the newspaper VW will need to become smaller and less centralised, adding that every model and brand will be scrutinised for its contribution to the company.

He said he expects the company can "shine again" within two or three years.

"This crisis gives us an opportunity to overhaul Volkswagen's structures," he said.

"We want to make the company slimmer, more decentralised and give the brands more responsibility."

VW has said it will set aside €6.5bn (£4.9bn) to cover costs associated with the scandal.

That sum is expected to grow considerably in the coming months as VW faces the prospect of legal action from regulators and drivers.

The bill is also likely to be exacerbated by falling sales.

The company currently employs almost 600,000 people worldwide.

:: Car (HKSE: 0699-OL.HK - news) owners who fear they are affected by the emissions scandal are now able to check online whether their vehicle is involved.

Volkswagen (LSE: 0P6N.L - news) , Audi , Skoda and Seat have not officially announced the service, but they appear to be testing it on their UK websites (Other OTC: UBGXF - news) .