Volkswagen starts installing “defeat devices” The devices bypass tougher anti-pollution standards introduced in 2008. The tougher rules cap legal nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

Abnormalities found in tests Researchers from the International Council on Clean Transportation and West Virginia University find abnormalities between the NOx emitted by VW vehicles in lab tests and on the road.

EPA investigation begins The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) begins an investigation into VW. The back and forth between the two lasts more than a year, as VW argues that third-party tests of its cars were flawed.

VW admits tricks VW admits that it has used sophisticated software to trick regulators. Its software monitors steering, engine use and barometric pressure to determine whether the car is being tested for emissions.

VW's deception goes public The EPA makes VW’s deception public, leaving the Germany company facing up to $18bn (£12bn) in fines, as well as potential cases from the Department of Justice, FBI and the European Union.

VW CEO resigns In the wake of the scandal, CEO Martin Winterkorn resigns. Since the EPA came out on the previous Friday, VW shares have lost a third of their value, and the company’s reputation has been tarnished.

Matthias Mueller named CEO The head of sister brand Porsche, Matthias Mueller, is named CEO. VW says that 5m cars were affected by the emissions scandal, down from an initial estimate of 11m

1.2m affected cars in the UK Volkswagen reveals the number of affected cars on UK roads - more than a 10th of the total worldwide.

VW expects recall in January 2016 VW's new chief executive Matthias Mueller says the company is likely to start a recall of cars affected by its emissions scandal in January, and that he hopes all affected cars will be fixed by the end of 2016.

US boss grilled by Senate and German prosecutors raid VW HQ Volkswagen HQ in Wolfsburg, Germany Volkswagen US boss Michael Horn admits he was made aware of a “possible emissions non-compliance” in the spring of 2014 and makes a “sincere apology” while appearing in front of the US senate. Meanwhile in Wolfsburg, Germany, VW headquarters are searched by prosecutors to “secure documents and data storage devices” that could identify those involved in the alleged manipulation.

Volkswagen's British chief quizzed by MPs Volkswagen's British boss Paul Willis is scrutinised by MPs over revelations the car maker deliberately cheated emissions controls in the US. He warns that it will take time to track down the affected cars, saying it will probably take until the end of next year, but adds: "It's better to be thorough and get it absolutely right, rather than do it in haste."

Police raid on VW's French headquarters French investigators seize documents and computer hardware from the car manufacturer's offices, as part of the ongoing probe into emissions cheating.

VW's first quarterly loss in 15 years The company announces a pre-tax loss of €2.5bn, due to holding back €6.7bn to cover the cost of dealing with the emissions scandal. CEO Matthias Mueller outlines a new strategy focusing on "qualitative growth" over simply outselling rivals.