The German magazine, citing a lawsuit over patents filed in a Munich court, said Schreiber had turned down 20 million euros (16.5 million pounds) in compensation and was seeking "adequate" compensation.

The dual clutch gearbox is in use in millions of VW-branded passenger cars.

A Volkswagen spokesman confirmed Schreiber had formally demanded compensation from VW, but declined to comment on details such as the amount being sought, given that it is an ongoing and unresolved dispute.

(Reporting by Edward Taylor; Editing by Susan Fenton)