News / Economic Divide

Behind scenes of Volkswagen scandal

Friday, 20 November 2015 1:51 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 20 November 2015 1:51 PM ]

Visitors looks at the Volkswagen Golf GTE Sport plug-in hybrid concept car, at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, November 19, 2015. (AFP Photo)

When the Volkswagen emissions scandal broke out, it took many by surprise, including some industry insiders. But there was a motive behind uncovering this cheating by the EPA, which revealed that the US did not want VW to compete in its car industry.

The VW group emissions cheating were due to VW not having any electric hybrid cars in the works. It had marketed its diesel engines as the alternative to regular petrol, with more gas mileage per gallon. Yet it turned out that the emissions was 30-40 times greater than regular cars. The issue was known by German officials since the German government has a stake in the car company, which may indicate complicity.

Yet scandals are nothing new to the VW group. From sex parties to bribery and insider trading, the VW group has a tainted past.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

Volkswagen