Volkswagen scandal raises questions about auto industry deception

On Behalf of | Oct 10, 2015 | Auto Defects |

It is incumbent upon motor vehicle manufacturers to build their automobiles to specifications that ensure quality and safety. This means that all parts that are used in production are dependable and that the production process meets the highest possible standards.

Shoddy workmanship on the production line or defective parts can lead to consumers unknowingly driving dangerous vehicles. As such, it is always shocking to learn when an automobile manufacturer not only fails to act in the car buying public’s best interests but actively works to deceive the public.

Recently, German auto builder Volkswagen made the news when it was discovered that company’s so-called “clean diesel” cars were actually outfitted with special software designed to give false emissions tests.

Volkswagen’s chief executive says that installation of the software was the doing of a few employees and that there will be an extensive investigation into the situation. Volkswagen put the total number of affected cars at around 11 million, of which about 500,000 were in the United States.

This situation raises some very serious questions, such as what are the owners of these cars supposed to do if the problem cannot be fixed with a recall? Moreover, how common in the auto industry is the practice of selling vehicles with known issues?

Sadly, often car buyers do not learn about serious issues until after breakdowns or severe accidents. Auto defects can cause vehicles to experience such problems as rollovers, air bag issues, occupant ejections, fires and even explosions.

If you or a member of your family should come to harm due to an auto manufacturer’s negligence, you may wish to contact a Texas automotive defects attorney. You may believe that a large company is above being held liable, but this need not be the case. The attorney can act on your behalf to help you pursue compensation for medical expenses and other damages.

Source: New York Times, “Volkswagen Says 11 Million Cars Worldwide Are Affected in Diesel Deception,” Jack Ewing, Sept. 22, 2015