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It's July 2016 in Volsberg, Germany.

Inside Volkswagen headquarters, but TASMULAR sits at a long glass table.

He's surrounded by company executives. They're talking about earnings and projected sales, but MULAR can't focus.

He keeps tapping his pen against the table, feeling jittery and anxious.

MULAR gazes across the conference room. When he took over as CEO, he asked his aides to brighten up the place.

They added big leafy plants and large photos. MULAR was pleased. The room used to feel stale and now it felt alive again.

It was a powerful symbol. This was the kind of spirit he'd bring to the company.

But the feeling didn't last long and as MULAR catches his reflection in the glass table, what he sees is a scared, aging man.

A man who faces an incredible threat.

The executive next to MULAR shifts. MULAR snaps out of it. Volkswagen's lead accountant is describing the company's financial situation.

And lastly, I must address our civil settlement in America. At $14.7 billion it presents a...

A tremendous hit to our bottom line.

MULAR blanches. No auto company has ever been forced to pay so much for its mistakes.

Thank you. We're fully aware of the settlement, but we must have enough in reserves.

The accountant straightens his shoulders and offers a broad smile.

Hey MULAR, it's good news. We have $18 billion set aside.

Excellent. Alright, now moving on. Where are we with sales this quarter?

The numbers are promising, sir. Sales are still down, but revenue is climbing steadily.

MULAR beams with relief. He can feel his chest relaxed. Money can solve a lot of problems.

And as long as the billions keep rolling in, his job is safe. Thank you very much.

Now, ask for next quarter sales. But just then a communications executive clearses throat.

...