The VW Scandal: How, Why, & What’s Next?
The VW Scandal: How, Why, & What’s Next?
This month saw one of the biggest scandals in the motoring industry, with the news that VW has admitted after investigation that approximately 11 million of its diesel cars are fitted with software that controls emission outputs during testing, but turns off when the cars are on the road. This device prevented testers from recognising that some affected cars were operating with emission levels over 20 times the regulated amount!
Here at Auto Tyres and Exhausts, our experts have summed up the VW scandal, and what it means for the company and car owners.
How?
The company falsified its emissions data by fitting cars with pollution cheating software, labelled as a ‘defeat device’. The software works by limiting emissions from the car engine when the car is being tested – something it can recognise through a series of checks. The emission levels then shoot back up, however, when the car is used on the road.
This technical piece of software is highly illegal, and has been fitted in approximately 11 million cars across the world – with an expected 1.2 million vehicles in the UK.
Cars Affected
We know here at Auto Tyres and Exhausts that our customers like to stay up to date on industry news, and you may be concerned that your vehicle is one of those affected in the fallout.
The following cars have been listed as fitted with the pollution cheating device:
- Jetta
- Beetle
- Golf
- Audi
- Seat
- Skoda
Why?
VW have not outright explained why they cheated emissions test, however car experts are able to predict an explanation.
Diesel cars are acknowledged as more efficient for fuel economy, but often at the cost of overall performance. Car manufacturers sought to build ‘clean diesel’ cars that removed this trade off.
It’s likely that VW’s emission controls reduced the car’s overall performance, for example wearing the engine out quicker, poor mileage and worse overall driving experience. It’s been suggested, then, that as VW were unable to find a balance between low pollution and high performance, they cheated the emissions part when manufacturing the diesel cars.
As a result, the company were seen as a trusted manufacturer and sales rose internationally.
What’s Next?
Volkswagen’s shares have fallen by more than 7pc since the scandal broke out, so their first priority is damage control. The company has put aside a reported €6.5bn for fixes to vehicles, lawsuits and any regulatory fines charged – although it is expected the cost of the scandal will be significantly higher.
VW’s main focus has been how to gain the public’s trust back, prompting offers to fix all affected models and recalling models in January 2016. The company has also put a freeze on sales of new cars fitted with the defeat device in the US.
Externally, VW now faces international investigations into the scandal, examining the unlawful actions of senior executives and managers with heavy fines and criminal charges likely to follow.
Here at Auto Tyres and Exhausts, we’re committed to providing our customers with an honest and high quality service. We offer a range of car services, from MOTs to exhaust repairs, so contact us today for more information or to see how we can help you.
