Under the cosh car giant Volkswagen (XETRA:VOW), is set to begin the task of recalling 11mln diesel vehicles in the new year, it was reported.
New boss Matthias Mueller told the press in Germany the carmaker could start the recall as early as January next year.
The fixes will vary, he said, but the majority are thought to be relatively straightforward software issues.
More than 1.2mln of the affected cars are in the UK, including VWs, Audis, Seats, Skodas and VW vans.
Mueller added: "This crisis gives us the opportunity to overhaul VW’s structure. We want to make the company smaller and slimmer, more decentralised and give the brands more responsibility."
He said only a small number of employees knew about the test-cheating technology, and confirmed recently departed former boss Martin Winterkorn did not know of the issues.
VW is expected to overhaul its structure, including reviews on “every model and brand” as it looks to raise funds to cover the costs of the scandal.
Mueller said he will look at all options of fundraising, including the potential sell-off of the Bugatti range of supercars, which is believed to be loss-making.
The scandal has wiped almost €30bn off the value of VW and although the carmaker as set aside €6.5bn, potential fines and lawsuits will likely drive costs higher.