Volkswagen, hurt by emissions scandal, swings to first loss in 15 years

A remarkable period of growth ended at Volkswagen on Wednesday when the carmaker reported its first quarterly loss in at least 15 years and began the costly process of absorbing the expense of fixing millions of cars designed to cheat on emissions tests.

The day also was the end of a defining era of Volkswagen ambition. Matthias Mueller, the new chief executive, signalled the company would no longer be focused on becoming the world's largest carmaker.