How VW Needs to Fix Its Reputation: The Skinny With Craig Cole
Welcome to a new editorial segment called The Skinny, hosted by your favorite Craig Cole. We hope this will be a weekly feature where Craig sounds off (gives you the skinny, if you will) on the latest news from the auto industry or whatever else he has on his mind.
This week, Craig talks about what Volkswagen needs to do to fix its reputation after the diesel emissions scandal.
As you know, the company was caught skirting rules in a massive way with software that was intentionally designed to fool emissions tests, meaning VW’s diesel cars pollute far more than they claimed to. Around 700,000 of its vehicles in America are affected by cheating emissions software. To correct this issue, there’s talk of reprogramming their powertrain-control computers or updating the emissions-control systems, but it’s doubtful whether any of these courses of action would correct the issue.
In contrast, Craig’s plan would fix everything in one smooth, quick motion. The only problem is that it would cost VW a lot, maybe enough to cause their checkbook to burst into flames.
For all the details about this plan, check out the video above. You won’t (or at least shouldn’t) be disappointed, though if you are, too bad!
Do you agree with what Craig has to say? Let us know in the comments below.
Discuss this story on our Volkswagen Forum
Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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To clarify the question I was posing, would any envisioned buyback be voluntary or compulsory? If compulsory, would it be at full new-purchase price or 'fair-market-value' (pre-scandal). I have yet to hear any clarification on these fundamental questions, which obviously make a huge difference in what is meant by 'buyback': the difference between being treated fairly and screwed over by our own Gov't and VW. I would be OK with with payment for loss of value and a voluntary buyback plan (and not participate) , OR compulsory buyback with reimbursement for the full new-purchase price so I could buy another (compliant) TDI, OR give me a new (compliant) TDI, OR fix the one I have and a check for the loss in value.
How about also going after the EPA-haters and street racers who contribute large amounts of pollution by tampering with emission controls, rolling coal, etc? Modified motorcycles are some of the worst polluters, also. Some of it is done out of ignorance of modern engine design. Many shade-tree scofflaws and horsepower junkies think reducing back-pressure will negate pollution via fuel savings. At least that's their public rationalization. They have a poor understanding of what emissions controls do, especially in realm of diesels. One hillbilly with a diesel truck told me he "removed all that crap" for better power. Typical dumbed-down attitude. Vilifying VW while letting millions of everyday smog-criminals get away with it is not helping air quality.