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Volkswagen Emissions Scandal
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Initial Finding
Independent researchers find that two Volkswagen models, a 2012 Jetta and a 2013 Passat, have significantly higher "in-use" nitrogen oxide emissions. They report these findings to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). "How VW’s Scandal Unfolded." New York Times, 23 Oct. 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2016. -
Volkswagen's Response to Initial Finding
Volkswagen tells regulators that the difference could be due to technical issues and "unexpected" test conditions. A message from Volkswagen to then-CEO Martin Winterkorn was sent, but it is unclear if he ever saw it. Mays, Kelsey. "VW Diesel Crisis: Timeline of Events." Cars.com. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
Voluntary Recall
Volkswagen begins a voluntary recall of almost 500,000 cars within the United States. They recalibrate the diesel engines in their cars to address the emissions issue. "How VW’s Scandal Unfolded." New York Times, 23 Oct. 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2016. -
Follow-Up on Volkswagen Recall
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) performs a follow-up test to check emission levels of Volkswagen cars. The agency finds little benefit from the recall. Mays, Kelsey. "VW Diesel Crisis: Timeline of Events." Cars.com. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
End of Certifications
CARB and the EPA issue a statement saying they will no longer certify Volkswagen's 2016 diesel lineup (this means that 2016 Volkswagen car models would not be eligible for sale in the United States). "How VW’s Scandal Unfolded." New York Times, 23 Oct. 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2016. -
Volkswagen Admits Deception
According to the CARB, Volkswagen admitted that cars were "designed and manufactured with a Defeat Device to bypass, defeat or render inoperative elements of the vehicle's emission control system." Essentially, this technology produced false reports of the cars actual emission levels. Overall, the nitrogen oxide levels were 10 to 40 times the allowable limit. Mays, Kelsey. "VW Diesel Crisis: Timeline of Events." Cars.com. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
EPA's Announcement
The EPA announces that technology used in Volkswagen cars violates the Clean Air Act. They conclude that the Department of Justice could propose fines on Volkswagen ranging up to 18 billion dollars. This announcement made global headlines and was the point that the general public became aware of the situation. "How VW’s Scandal Unfolded." New York Times, 23 Oct. 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2016. -
Stock Falls
When the markets opened, Volkswagen stock plummeted almost 17%. At the time, many financial experts believed that this would cause a complete collapse of the company. However, this result is yet to be seen. "How VW’s Scandal Unfolded." New York Times, 23 Oct. 2015. Web. 7 Mar. 2016. -
Cease of Sale
Volkswagen dealers were told to stop the sale of all four-cylinder cars, including those in the Audi line. Volkswagen also admitted that close-to 11 million cars worldwide have the "defeat device" installed in them. Mays, Kelsey. "VW Diesel Crisis: Timeline of Events." Cars.com. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
CEO Martin Winterkorn Resigns
Amidst the heavy criticism from a global community, Martin Winterkorn stepped down as Volkswagen CEO. In a statement Mr. Winterkorn accepted responsibility for the crisis, but added that he was “not aware of any wrongdoing on my part.” Woodyard, Chris. "Chronology: How VW's Emissions Scandal Has Mushroomed." USA Today. Gannett, 20 Nov. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
New CEO Appointed
Matthias Müller, chairman on the companies Porsche unit, is named the new CEO of Volkswagen. Mr. Müller promises maximum transparency and total compliance with "governance standards in the industry." In addition, many high-level executives were fired and a restructuring was announced. Woodyard, Chris. "Chronology: How VW's Emissions Scandal Has Mushroomed." USA Today. Gannett, 20 Nov. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
New Recall Strategy
Mr. Müller announces a new plan to recall millions of cars worldwide starting in January 2016. Mays, Kelsey. "VW Diesel Crisis: Timeline of Events." Cars.com. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
Volkswagen Meets with Congressional Committee
President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Michael Horn, appears before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee. He outlined a general plan to remedy the crisis, hold the responsible parties accountable, and prevent anything like this from happening in the future. Woodyard, Chris. "Chronology: How VW's Emissions Scandal Has Mushroomed." USA Today. Gannett, 20 Nov. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
More Problems Disovered
In a series of additional testing, the EPA found more diesel car models that had illegal defeat devices. Along with Volkswagen cars, Audi and Porsche models were also found with this device in their engine. Mays, Kelsey. "VW Diesel Crisis: Timeline of Events." Cars.com. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
Results of an Internal Investigation
An internal investigation found that "individual misconduct" was at the heart of the scandal. In addition, Volkswagen admitted to a "chain of errors" that began in 2005, during a push for diesel expansion in the United States. Mays, Kelsey. "VW Diesel Crisis: Timeline of Events." Cars.com. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
Department of Justice Sues
The Department of Justice sues the Volkswagen Group for violations against the Clean Air Act. The lawsuit covers over 580,000 vehicles. Mays, Kelsey. "VW Diesel Crisis: Timeline of Events." Cars.com. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
CARB Rejects Volkswagen's Proposal
Volkswagen's plans to fix their diesel engines was rejected by CARB. Both the EPA and CARB agree that the plans were far too unspecific. Mays, Kelsey. "VW Diesel Crisis: Timeline of Events." Cars.com. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016. -
Court Ordered Action
Volkswagen received a court order to provide a firm answer on whether they can meet EPA regulations in their diesel cars. This answer needs to be provided by March 24. Mays, Kelsey. "VW Diesel Crisis: Timeline of Events." Cars.com. N.p., 23 Sept. 2015. Web. 09 Mar. 2016.
