Scandal-hit Volkswagen has posted a third-quarter loss of 3.5 billion euros (£2.5 billion) in the wake of its emissions scandal.

The German carmaker has taken a charge of 6.7 billion euros (£4.8 billion) to cover the costs of the scandal.

It is understood to be the first time in at least 15 years that VW has reported a quarterly loss.

It compares with a 3.23 billion profit a year ago.

Volkswagen’s new chief, Matthias Müller said: "The figures show the core strength of the Volkswagen Group on the one hand, while on the other the initial impact of the current situation is becoming clear. We will do everything in our power to win back the trust we have lost."

Volkswagen has set aside another 200 million euros to cover the cost of the emissions scandal.

VW reported a 3.48 billion euro operating loss for the third quarter of the year, and a €2.52bn pre-tax loss.

In September, VW admitted installing software designed to cheat emissions tests in 11 million of its diesel cars worldwide.

VW has already appointed a new chief executive and chairman since the scandal broke.

The car firm now expects profits for the full year to be "down significantly" as a result of the costs of dealing with the emissions scandal.