Volkswagen is being Investigated for Using Illegal Software Designed to

Mask Emissions

By: Daniel Broderick

“The EPA accused Volkswagen of using the device in 482,000 four-cylinder Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars in the US since 2008.”

“These cars contained software that turns off emissions controls when driving normally and turns them on when the car is undergoing an emissions test”

During normal operation, the cars emit nitrogen oxides, or NOx, at up to 40 times the standard.

The maximum fine for violations of the act is $37,500 per vehicle, which works out to a maximum possible fine as high as $18bn.

Volkswagen's CEO Martin Winterkorn stepped down yesterday.

Ethical IssuesVolkswagen not only disregarded EPA laws and restrictions but invented software to avoid them!

Volkswagen vehicles were emitting an enormous amount of nitrogen oxides negatively impacting the United States’ air.

Questions to Consider

Was it the right thing for the CEO to step down? If he actually had no knowledge should he be punishable? Should anyone in particular be punished?

Should Volkswagen have to pay the maximum fine? How should the amount of the fine be calculated? Where should this money go?

Should Volkswagen face anymore punishment than a monetary fine?

Should automotive companies be liable for nitrogen oxide emissions from their cars?

Should this spark more investigations for Volkswagen or other automotive companies?

Thoughts & Questions

Sourceshttp://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/sep/18/epa-california-investigate-volkswagen-clean-air-violations

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-volkswagen-ceo-20150924-story.html

http://www.businessinsider.com/theres-no-way-volkswagen-is-going-to-pay-the-us-18-billion-in-fines-for-cheating-on-emissions-tests-2015-9