Volkswagen Emissions Scandal

The Volkswagen Emissions Scandal, also known as 'Dieselgate,' centers on the German automaker's use of illegal software to cheat on diesel emissions tests. Discovered in 2015, the scandal revealed that Volkswagen's TDI diesel vehicles emitted pollutants up to 40 times above legal limits. The company faced significant legal repercussions, including charges from the U.S. Justice Department and the SEC, and has incurred costs of around $32 billion. Independent auditors have criticized Volkswagen for inadequate transparency and compliance with settlement agreements. In response, Volkswagen is now investing in electric vehicles to rebuild its reputation and move away from diesel engines.