How Engineers at West Virginia University Exposed Volkswagen’s Diesel Scandal
Volkswagen (VW) was one of the world's leading automotive brands, but in 2015, it was shocked by one of the largest corporate scandals in recent history. The VW cheating scandal revealed that the company had intentionally installed software in its diesel vehicles to pass emissions tests, while their real-world emissions were much higher. The discovery of this fraudulent practice led to significant legal and financial consequences for VW. This article delves into how a non-governmental laboratory in West Virginia University played a crucial role in unearthing the truth.
The Discovery of Volkswagen’s Cheating
California noticed an unusually high number of VW owners applying for rebates, and conducted an audit. The findings became troubling: VW vehicles were failing emission tests at a higher rate than expected. When questioned, VW initially lied to the state. However, the state employees suspected there was something fishy going on and decided to hire a lab in West Virginia to investigate further. This led to a groundbreaking expose.
The Role of West Virginia University Laboratory
West Virginia University (WVU) was entrusted with real-world emissions testing of VW's diesel vehicles. The lab was part of a lobbying group in Europe that wanted the European Union (EU) to adopt the stringent US emissions standards for diesel vehicles. During this trial, it became clear that the VW vehicles did not meet these standards in real-world driving conditions. This stark discrepancy in emissions results from real-world driving versus lab tests ignited the interest of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Truth Unveiled
The EPA investigation revealed that VW's approach to emissions testing was duplicitous. In the United States, the testing bureau found that the mileage figures in laboratory (dyno) tests did not match real-world mileage. After several years of inquiries, the bureau resorted to on-road testing and found that the emissions figures on the road did not meet published standards, while dyno test results did. The Department of Transportation (DOT) repeatedly asked VW for explanations, which it provided with vague and contradictory responses. Only through legal pressure did VW reveal a company-wide cheating program across their diesel vehicles. Management initially claimed ignorance but could not maintain this position once internal documents were released, proving the existence and purposefulness of the cheating program.
The scandal led to a massive recall of affected vehicles, settlements of billions of dollars for affected parties, and severe penalties for the company. It also raised significant questions about industry self-regulation and the effectiveness of regulatory bodies in ensuring compliance.
Conclusion
The engineering team at the West Virginia University lab played a crucial role in exposing Volkswagen's fraudulent emissions testing practices. Their trailblazing work highlighted the depth of the deception and led to a series of events that changed the automotive industry. The fiasco underscored the importance of independent, honest testing and the need for robust regulatory oversight to ensure honesty and transparency in the marketplace.