A Volkswagen diesel vehicle sits behind a fence at a VW dealership in Salt Lake City last week. (Rick Bowmer, The Associated Press)
Volkswagen is facing an investigation after it was revealed that software in their diesel cars was turning off the nitrogen oxide traps in the exhaust systems, and disguising NO2 emissions during testing. VW marketed these cars as low-emission vehicles, when in reality they were releasing up to 40 times accepted emissions levels. Nitrogen oxide is known to cause diseases like emphysema and bronchitis.
This deliberate attempt to disguise the truth should be particularly sticky for Volkswagen due to recent cases against GM and a change of direction in the Department of Justice. The DOJ’s decision to pursue individuals involved in corporate crime, and GM’s $900 million settlement after their faulty ignition switches resulted in 120 deaths, means that Volkswagen will not get out of this easily.
We cannot expect anything more than a settlement, but it is possible that Volkswagen’s leadership will be held accountable, setting a legal precedent for negligence in the auto industry.
Robert Watson, Englewood
This letter was published in the Sept. 28 edition.
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