Heinrich von Pierer, the former Siemens chairman and one of the elder statesmen of German industry, describes Volkswagen as a company like no other. The events of the past few days not only confirm his judgment but the company now also looks as if it is becoming ungovernable.

The transition from a state-controlled company to a family-controlled one was never going to be easy. But the way Porsche and its family shareholders have conducted their gradual takeover of Europe’s largest car manufacturer has certainly not helped.