Picture from: http://www.zeroto60times.com/large-car-logos-2/large-volkswagen-car-logo/
As most everyone should be aware of: Volkswagen is facing serious financial and “image” trouble for their emissions scandal. If you aren’t aware, Volkswagen set up their diesel engines in North America to turn on emissions control during testing, but shut off during real driving. Their vehicles have been emitting over the legal limit of nitrogen oxide for the past several years, which has led to a recent announcement: a larger investment in electric and hybrid cars, with massive cuts to their diesel program.
Volkswagen will have to refit close to 11 million diesel cars that might contain the bad software. Analysts believe they face costs up to $51 billion Canadian, and thats not including the lawsuits, fines, and potential criminal prosecution for breaking emissions laws.
Their plan to focus on hybrid and electric cars is smart, and possibly their only option if they ever want to restore their tarnished image. Currently, people are very unhappy with them (for good reason). In order to change that, Volkswagen will have to climb back up the automobile ladder by committing to very eco-friendly cars; however, their announcement of focusing more on hybrid and electric vehicles might be in an effort to switch to a new ladder and stay on top. We’ll have to wait and see.