Prosecutors indicted him in July over suspicions he played a major role in doctoring reports on the vehicles' emissions results, noise level and fuel efficiency to get approval from the local authorities.

The court, however, acquitted Yoon of fabricating reports on fuel efficiency, citing a lack of evidence.

Under local law, all imported cars should first receive approval of their emissions results and noise levels from the National Institute of Environmental Research.

"This crime has destroyed the trust in the global brand," the court said, pointing out the social and economic damage incurred by his crime. (Yonhap)