How Volkswagen Became a Symbol of Greed and Deception: Faster, Higher, Farther
Faster, Higher, Farther: The Volkswagen Scandal Mobi Download Book
If you are interested in learning more about one of the biggest corporate scandals in history, you might want to check out this book by Jack Ewing. Faster, Higher, Farther: The Volkswagen Scandal is a comprehensive and captivating account of how Volkswagen deceived millions of customers and regulators around the world by installing software that manipulated emissions data in its diesel cars.
Faster, Higher, Farther: The Volkswagen Scandal Mobi Download Book
Introduction
In this section, I will introduce the topic of the Volkswagen scandal and explain what the book is about and who is the author. I will also highlight the main themes and arguments of the book.
What is the Volkswagen scandal and why does it matter?
The Volkswagen scandal, also known as Dieselgate, refers to the revelation that Volkswagen Group, one of the largest automakers in the world, had installed "defeat devices" in millions of its diesel vehicles that allowed them to cheat on emissions tests. These devices detected when the cars were being tested and lowered their emissions levels to comply with environmental standards. However, when driven on normal roads, these cars emitted up to 40 times more nitrogen oxides (NOx) than allowed by law. NOx are harmful pollutants that contribute to smog, acid rain, respiratory diseases, and climate change.
The scandal matters because it exposed a massive fraud that affected millions of consumers who bought Volkswagen cars believing they were environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient. It also damaged the reputation and credibility of Volkswagen as a company that prided itself on its engineering excellence and social responsibility. Moreover, it raised serious questions about the effectiveness and integrity of the regulatory systems that were supposed to ensure that car manufacturers complied with environmental laws and standards.
What is the book about and who is the author?
The book is a detailed and engaging investigation of how and why Volkswagen perpetrated this fraud, how it was discovered and exposed, and what were its consequences and implications for Volkswagen, its stakeholders, and society at large. The book covers the origins and development of the scandal from its inception in 2005 to its aftermath in 2017. It also explores the broader context and factors that enabled and motivated Volkswagen to engage in such unethical behavior.
The author of the book is Jack Ewing, a veteran journalist who has been covering business and economics in Europe for more than two decades. He is currently a European correspondent for The New York Times based in Frankfurt. He has extensive knowledge and experience in reporting on the automotive industry and has followed the Volkswagen scandal closely since it broke in 2015.
What are the main themes and arguments of the book?
The book has several themes and arguments that run throughout its chapters. Some of them are:
The Volkswagen scandal was not a result of a few rogue engineers, but a systemic failure of corporate culture, governance, and leadership that fostered a climate of arrogance, secrecy, and pressure to achieve unrealistic goals.
The Volkswagen scandal was not an isolated incident, but a symptom of a deeper problem in the automotive industry and society that prioritized short-term profits and growth over long-term sustainability and ethics.
The Volkswagen scandal was not only a technical and legal issue, but also a moral and cultural one that challenged the values and identity of Volkswagen as a company and Germany as a nation.
The Volkswagen scandal was not without consequences, but also opportunities for learning and improvement for Volkswagen, its stakeholders, and society. It highlighted the need for more transparency, accountability, and innovation in the automotive industry and the regulatory systems that oversee it.
The Origins and Development of the Scandal
In this section, I will describe how Volkswagen cheated on emissions tests and for how long, how the scandal came to light and what were the consequences, and how Volkswagen responded and what were the challenges it faced.
How did Volkswagen cheat on emissions tests and for how long?
Volkswagen cheated on emissions tests by using software that detected when the cars were being tested and adjusted their engine performance accordingly. The software was installed in the engine control unit (ECU) of the cars, which is the computer that regulates various aspects of the engine such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and exhaust gas recirculation. The software used various parameters such as speed, steering wheel angle, barometric pressure, and ambient temperature to determine whether the car was on a test stand or on the road. If it detected that the car was being tested, it activated a "test mode" that reduced the emissions of NOx by increasing the amount of exhaust gas recirculation. However, if it detected that the car was on the road, it deactivated the test mode and increased the engine power and fuel efficiency by reducing the amount of exhaust gas recirculation. This resulted in higher emissions of NOx than allowed by law.
Volkswagen started cheating on emissions tests in 2005 when it decided to launch a new generation of diesel cars in the US market. The US market was attractive for Volkswagen because it offered a potential for growth and profitability in a segment where it had low market share. However, the US market also had stricter environmental regulations than Europe, especially for NOx emissions. Volkswagen faced a dilemma: either invest in expensive technology to reduce NOx emissions or find a cheaper way to circumvent the regulations. Volkswagen chose the latter option and developed the defeat device software with the help of Bosch, a German supplier of automotive components. Volkswagen then installed the software in millions of its diesel cars sold worldwide under various brands such as Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, Skoda, and Seat.
How did the scandal come to light and what were the consequences?
The scandal came to light in 2015 when a group of researchers from West Virginia University conducted a study on the real-world emissions of diesel cars in the US. They tested three models: a Volkswagen Jetta, a Volkswagen Passat, and a BMW X5. They found that while the BMW X5 complied with the emissions standards, both Volkswagen models exceeded them by up to 35 times. They reported their findings to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), which then launched an investigation into Volkswagen. After months of denial and evasion, Volkswagen finally admitted in September 2015 that it had used defeat devices in its diesel cars.
The consequences of the scandal were severe and far-reaching for Volkswagen, its stakeholders, and society. Some of them were:
Volkswagen faced legal actions from regulators, customers, investors, dealers, suppliers, employees, and competitors in various countries. It had to pay billions of dollars in fines, settlements, compensations, recalls, buybacks, repairs, and lawsuits.
Volkswagen suffered reputational damage and loss of trust from customers, investors, partners, employees, media, and public opinion. It had to deal with negative publicity, boycotts, protests, criticism, and mockery.
Volkswagen experienced operational disruption and financial decline. It had to halt sales, production, development, and expansion plans. It had to cut costs, jobs, dividends, and bonuses.
Volkswagen faced strategic uncertainty and competitive disadvantage. It had to rethink its business model, vision, mission, and values. It had to catch up with its rivals in innovation, quality, and sustainability.
How did Volkswagen respond and what were the challenges it faced?
Volkswagen responded to the scandal by taking several asures to address the scandal and restore its reputation and performance. Some of them were:
Volkswagen apologized and accepted responsibility for its misconduct. It cooperated with the authorities and agreed to comply with their demands and sanctions.
Volkswagen replaced and restructured its top management and board of directors. It appointed a new CEO, Matthias Müller, who had previously led Porsche, one of Volkswagen's subsidiaries. It also created a new position of chief compliance officer and hired an external law firm to conduct an internal investigation.
Volkswagen launched a global recall and repair program for the affected vehicles. It offered various options to its customers such as buybacks, trade-ins, cash payments, vouchers, and software updates.
Volkswagen initiated a cultural and organizational transformation to foster a more ethical, transparent, and customer-oriented culture. It revised its code of conduct, values, and mission statement. It also implemented a new strategy called "Together 2025" that focused on innovation, digitalization, electrification, and sustainability.
However, Volkswagen also faced many challenges and difficulties in responding to the scandal and recovering from it. Some of them were:
Volkswagen had to deal with the complexity and diversity of the legal and regulatory systems in different countries and regions. It had to negotiate with various authorities and stakeholders with different interests and expectations.
Volkswagen had to cope with the uncertainty and volatility of the market and consumer behavior. It had to anticipate and respond to the changing preferences and demands of its customers and competitors.
Volkswagen had to overcome the resistance and skepticism of its own employees and partners. It had to motivate and engage its workforce and suppliers to support its transformation and innovation efforts.
Volkswagen had to prove its credibility and trustworthiness to the public and the media. It had to communicate effectively and convincingly its actions and achievements in addressing the scandal and improving its performance.
The Implications and Lessons of the Scandal
In this section, I will discuss the environmental, economic, social, and legal impacts of the scandal, the ethical, moral, and cultural issues raised by the scandal, and the best practices and recommendations for preventing and managing such scandals in the future.
What are the environmental, economic, social, and legal impacts of the scandal?
The scandal had significant and negative impacts on the environment, the economy, the society, and the law. Some of them were:
The scandal increased the emissions of NOx by an estimated 1 million tons per year, equivalent to the emissions of 422,000 cars. This contributed to air pollution, climate change, and health problems for millions of people around the world.
The scandal reduced the sales, profits, and market value of Volkswagen by billions of dollars. This affected not only Volkswagen itself, but also its shareholders, investors, creditors, suppliers, dealers, and employees.
The scandal eroded the trust and loyalty of customers, partners, regulators, and public opinion towards Volkswagen. This damaged not only Volkswagen's brand image and reputation, but also its competitive advantage and growth potential.
The scandal violated the laws and regulations of various countries and regions. This exposed Volkswagen to legal actions and sanctions from authorities, customers, investors, competitors, and others.
What are the ethical, moral, and cultural issues raised by the scandal?
The scandal raised several ethical, moral, and cultural issues that challenged the values and identity of Volkswagen as a company and Germany as a nation. Some of them were:
The scandal revealed a lack of integrity, honesty, and accountability in Volkswagen's corporate culture. It showed that Volkswagen was willing to deceive its customers, regulators, and society for its own benefit. It also showed that Volkswagen was unable to detect, prevent, or correct its own wrongdoing.
The scandal questioned the morality, responsibility, and legitimacy of Volkswagen's business model. It showed that Volkswagen was pursuing profits and growth at the expense of sustainability and ethics. It also showed that Volkswagen was exploiting loopholes and weaknesses in the regulatory systems that were supposed to protect the environment and society.
The scandal challenged the pride, confidence, and excellence of Volkswagen's engineering culture. It showed that Volkswagen was relying on cheating and manipulation rather than innovation and quality to achieve its goals. It also showed that Volkswagen was losing its edge and leadership in the automotive industry.
The scandal tarnished the image, reputation, and influence of Germany's industrial culture. It showed that Germany's most successful and admired company was involved in a massive fraud that harmed the environment and society. It also showed that Germany's role and reputation as a leader and model in environmental and social issues was compromised.
What are the best practices and recommendations for preventing and managing such scandals in the future?
The scandal also offered some valuable lessons and insights for preventing and managing such scandals in the future. Some of them were:
The scandal highlighted the need for more transparency, accountability, and oversight in the automotive industry and the regulatory systems that oversee it. It showed that car manufacturers should disclose and verify their emissions data and comply with environmental standards. It also showed that regulators should monitor and enforce emissions tests and regulations more effectively and consistently.
The scandal emphasized the importance of ethics, values, and culture in the corporate governance and leadership of Volkswagen. It showed that Volkswagen should foster a culture of integrity, honesty, and responsibility that aligns with its mission, vision, and values. It also showed that Volkswagen should empower and encourage its employees, managers, and directors to speak up and report any misconduct or wrongdoing.
The scandal demonstrated the potential of innovation, digitalization, electrification, and sustainability in the automotive industry and society. It showed that Volkswagen should invest more in developing and implementing innovative technologies and solutions that reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency. It also showed that Volkswagen should embrace digitalization and electrification as opportunities for growth and differentiation.
The scandal inspired a vision of a better future for Volkswagen, its stakeholders, and society. It showed that Volkswagen should use the scandal as a catalyst for change and improvement. It also showed that Volkswagen should strive to regain its trust and loyalty from its customers, partners, regulators, and public opinion by delivering on its promises and commitments.
Conclusion
In this section, I will summarize the main points and findings of the book, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the book, and provide a personal opinion and recommendation for the book.
Summarize the main points and findings of the book
The book is a thorough and compelling examination of the Volkswagen scandal, one of the biggest corporate scandals in history. The book reveals how Volkswagen cheated on emissions tests by using software that manipulated emissions data in its diesel cars. The book explains why Volkswagen did this, how it was discovered and exposed, and what were its consequences and implications for Volkswagen, its stakeholders, and society. The book also explores the broader context and factors that enabled and motivated Volkswagen to engage in such unethical behavior. The book has several themes and arguments that run throughout its chapters, such as the systemic failure of corporate culture, governance, and leadership; the deeper problem of prioritizing short-term profits and growth over long-term sustainability and ethics; the moral and cultural challenge to the values and identity of Volkswagen as a company and Germany as a nation; and the need for more transparency, accountability, and innovation in the automotive industry and the regulatory systems that oversee it.
Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the book
The book has many strengths that make it a valuable and enjoyable read. Some of them are:
The book is well-researched and well-written. The author has done extensive research on the topic and has interviewed many sources and experts. The author has also written the book in a clear, concise, and engaging style that keeps the reader interested and informed.
The book is comprehensive and balanced. The author covers all the aspects and perspectives of the scandal from its inception to its aftermath. The author also presents both the facts and opinions of the scandal without bias or judgment.
The book is insightful and provocative. The author provides a deeper analysis and interpretation of the scandal beyond the technical and legal details. The author also raises important questions and issues that challenge the reader to think critically and reflectively about the scandal.
The book also has some weaknesses that limit its scope and impact. Some of them are:
or sectors.
The book is too descriptive and explanatory. The author does not provide enough evaluation or critique of the scandal or its implications. The author also does not offer enough recommendations or solutions for preventing or managing such scandals in the future.
The book is too long and detailed. The author includes too much information and data that may not be relevant or necessary for the reader. The author also repeats some points and arguments that may not add much value or insight to the book.
Provide a personal opinion and recommendation for the book
In my personal opinion, the book is a fascinating and informative read that sheds light on one of the most notorious and controversial scandals in recent history. The book provides a comprehensive and captivating account of how and why Volkswagen deceived millions of customers and regulators around the world by installing software that manipulated emissions data in its diesel cars. The book also explores the broader context and factors that enabled and motivated Volkswagen to engage in such unethical behavior. The book has several themes and arguments that run throughout its chapters, such as the systemic failure of corporate culture, governance, and leadership; the deeper problem of prioritizing short-term profits and growth over long-term sustainability and ethics; the moral and cultural challenge to the values and identity of Volkswagen as a company and Germany as a nation; and the need for more transparency, accountability, and innovation in the automotive industry and the regulatory systems that oversee it.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the Volkswagen scandal and its implications for Volkswagen, its stakeholders, and society. I would also recommend this book to anyone who is interested in understanding the dynamics and challenges of the automotive industry and the regulatory systems that oversee it. I would also recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring the ethical, moral, and