Volkswagen has emerged as the enemy of all environmentalists after news broke of the German automotive manufacturing empire’s rigging 11 million of their cars with software specifically created to cheat on emission tests. It has been reported that cars with model years 2014 through 2016 all have the potential of holding this illegal device, and carmakers have recalled around 482,000 Volkswagen and Audi brand cars in the United States after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered such atrocities.

The impact of such deceit is hefty in that Volkswagen could be responsible for nearly 1 million tons of air pollutionevery year. Such news should not only raise scrutiny, but also raise alarm as this situation further proves the notionthat industrial America is cold heartedly contaminating the environment, and in the long run, the health of the living population.

This can be considered as one of the more remarkable corporate scandals of society, meaning the repercussions and consequences are also expected to be large. It can be foreseen that Volkswagen will be heavily fined and further investigated for possibly more scandals, and it would not be surprising if many start to sue the company. Damage control will be the most interesting thing to observe for the upcoming weeks as Volkswagen spirals down in reputation and quality. Furthermore, it will be interesting to see how the Volkswagen brand and overall legacy will stand after such a costly scandal. Without a doubt, the future of Volkswagen does not seem too bright.


<Justin Lee>