The Volkswagen group 'emissions scandal' rumbled on this week as more skeletons were rattled out of closets. There's bound to be a few more when the automotive equivalent of the Spanish inquisition starts internally, following this week's report that "around 50" employees have come forward just ahead of the deadline to testify in the group's internal investigation into the emissions controls cheating scandal. Employees had been given until Monday to come forward to testify without fear of repercussions – on the part of VW.
Now a fix is in sight, at least for some engines in some markets, VW can look forward to claiming a recall record in India and there was a report the automaker lobbied hard for changes in the proposed revamp of European emissions testing procedures. Foxes guarding hen houses comes to mind; is it time for a little more government oversight rather than letting the industry do its own testing after such a betrayal of trust by Europe's largest automaker? We also had news of the automaker sorting a bridging loan to help with the costs of 'dieselgate'. Speaking of borrowing money, Ferrari has also sorted out some finance as it prepares to be split off from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Go deeper with GlobalData
VW, naturally, was eyed in this week's November sales reports which were pretty upbeat both for the United States (check out Volvo) and the United Kingdom where, on our home patch, October's dip was just a blip and year on year rises returned last month though some slowdown is expected next year.
Our interview with Kia on hydrogen attracted a lot of interest this week, and considerable debate on social media, and there was also much interest in BMW's announcement UK buyers can now do the entire new car purchase process online. How far away is the virtual test drive?
Automakers sharing light commercial vehicle models is a well honed practice here in Europe and the two partners in one of the more recent deals seem happy – Toyota and PSA have announced they'll continue with a new generation that will include passenger toting MPVs.
Have a nice weekend.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataGraeme Roberts, Deputy Editor, just-auto.com
Related Company Profiles
Hyundai Motor Co
Stellantis NV