This Car Is ILLEGAL

Summary

This video explores the Volkswagen emissions scandal, revealing how the company deceived regulators and customers by using software to cheat emissions tests in its diesel cars. As VW promoted its 'clean diesel' campaign, college students uncovered discrepancies in real-world emissions, leading to legal actions and billions in fines. The scandal not only resulted in corporate upheaval but also highlighted the environmental consequences of VW's actions, causing premature deaths linked to excess emissions. Ultimately, the scandal reshaped the diesel market in the U.S. and underscored the dangers of corporate greed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Volkswagen was once a leader in the diesel car market, dominating 70% of the U.S. market by the mid-2010s.
• 😀 The company launched a 'Clean Diesel' campaign, promoting their TDI engines as low-emission alternatives.
• 😀 Despite improvements in diesel technology, American consumers remained skeptical due to historical perceptions of diesel engines.
• 😀 A group of students at West Virginia University discovered discrepancies in emissions testing results for VW's TDI cars.
• 😀 Volkswagen had programmed their cars to detect emissions tests and cheat by running in a compliant mode during tests.
• 😀 The scandal, known as 'Dieselgate,' resulted in Volkswagen facing numerous lawsuits and fines totaling around $34.69 billion.
• 😀 Key executives, including an engineer and the CEO, faced criminal charges and prison time for their roles in the scandal.
• 😀 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) played crucial roles in exposing Volkswagen's deception.
• 😀 Research indicated that the excess emissions from affected cars could lead to premature deaths in Europe and the U.S.
• 😀 The scandal severely damaged the reputation of diesel engines in the U.S., with no new diesel cars available on the market today.

Q & A

What was Volkswagen's initial position in the diesel car market?

Volkswagen was once the leading manufacturer of diesel cars worldwide, particularly dominating the U.S. market by the mid-2010s.

What marketing strategy did Volkswagen use to promote their diesel vehicles in America?

Volkswagen launched the 'Clean Diesel' marketing campaign, which emphasized low emissions and impressive fuel economy to counteract negative perceptions of diesel engines.

What was the outcome of the emissions testing by West Virginia University students?

The students found that the Volkswagen Jetta and Passat failed real-world emissions tests, producing far higher emissions than recorded during standardized dyno tests.

How did Volkswagen manage to pass emissions tests despite producing higher emissions?

Volkswagen programmed the cars' ECU to detect when an emissions test was being conducted and alter performance to meet compliance, only to revert to higher emissions under normal driving conditions.

What were the legal consequences for Volkswagen after the scandal was uncovered?

Volkswagen faced numerous lawsuits, was required to recall 482,000 cars in the U.S., and ultimately incurred costs exceeding $34 billion due to fines, buybacks, and settlement payments.

What were the specific emissions standards that Volkswagen violated?

Volkswagen violated regulations related to nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which are harmful to air quality and health.

What role did the EPA play in the Volkswagen scandal?

The EPA investigated the discrepancies in emissions testing results and ultimately mandated the recall of affected vehicles after confirming Volkswagen's deceit.

What was the broader impact of the diesel scandal on public health?

Research indicated that the excess emissions from the affected vehicles could lead to premature deaths, with estimates suggesting 1,200 deaths in Europe and 60 in the U.S. due to increased nitrogen oxide exposure.

What was the fate of key Volkswagen executives involved in the scandal?

Several executives faced criminal charges, with sentences ranging from 40 months to 7 years in prison for their roles in the emissions cheating.

How has the perception of diesel cars changed in the U.S. following the scandal?

The scandal severely damaged the reputation of diesel cars in the U.S., leading to a decline in their popularity, with no new diesel passenger cars currently available on the market.