The former chief executive of Volkswagen, Martin Winterkorn has appeared in court in Germany over the so-called ‘Dieselgate’ scandal, facing fraud charges.

It comes nine years after the German automaker was discovered to have rigged emissions tests, in which ‘defeat devices’ were used that made diesel emissions appear more cleaner than they were.

This is the first time the 77-year-old has appeared in court over the scandal.

He denies all charges, which include fraud, market manipulation and “unlawful false testimony” before a parliamentary committee, according to Reuters.

A statement via his lawyer said: "Our client did not defraud or harm anyone, he did not deliberately leave the capital market in the dark so that investors would be harmed, and he told the investigating committee the truth.”

Mr Winterkorn was dismissed from the firm in 2015 after the scandal was brought to light.

If he is found guilty, he faces a fine or a custodial sentence, accoding to Reuters.