Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn resigned on Wednesday, taking responsibility for the German carmaker's rigging of US emissions tests in the biggest scandal in its 78-year history.

Winterkorn said in a statement on Wednesday that "Volkswagen needs a fresh start - also in terms of personnel. I am clearing the way for this fresh start with my resignation."

He said he was acting in the interests of the company "even though I am not aware of any wrongdoing on my part".