Yeah, that's really an amazing story (VW). Anyone who's worked for a large international fortune 100 company can attest to the pressure to hit certain benchmark numbers. That's the environment of large organizations: Reporting and hitting targets. Been there for years. I can see how this thing with VW probably got rolling, what's astonishing is that someone at the top levels didn't hit the 'stop' button (like would usually happen at most organizations), and, in fact, gave the go-ahead or covertly supported it at least. If they would have stopped it after 2 years until they got their technology up to speed ...and did the right thing, people wouldn't be very affected. As it is, it'll cost them way more than whatever savings they realized by NOT properly fitting their vehicles with the technology. It's one of those things that, as a company, they will probably never escape the black mark on their reputation. Just like GM will probably never escape from their diesel fiasco of the 80's, which is usually noted as the reason most American's won't buy a diesel car, or at least in the 90's till today. You mention diesel cars and most people old enough think of GM B-body diesels and shake their heads. Have rented some very good GM and Ford diesel cars in Europe ...gm doesn't suffer from that reputation there. VW was changing the diesel stigma and they make outstanding diesels. Course, I own a VW diesel and can tell you from personal experience, there are as many negatives as positives to owning a diesel car. But they do get great fuel economy. But now with the need for diesel fluids and converter replacement, a lot of die-hard VW diesel guys on the TDI forums even acknowledge that Hybrids are cheaper to own and maintain, and probably make more sense.
I hate to say it, but if you look at electrics, and the cost of ownership economics ...really look at it, not just the nay-sayer hyperbole, they truely make tremendous sense for a lot of people. Not everyone mind you. I have a couple guys I know, who were the LAST people in the world you would think would buy an electric car (like a Leaf) ....these are 4x4 truck owners, and they surprised me, but they love them for commuting. Cost almost nothing to own. There isn't a whole lot to fail. The battery replacement costs seem to be overblown. Nissan was smart and has a free towing arrangement if you run out of juice, but the guys I referred to, it hasn't been a problem and they commute about 40 minutes each way and make some side trips (this is in the frozen upper mid-west too!). One buddy is on his second Prius. Being in a Prius is like stepping 20 years into the future. First time he gave me a ride, I'm thinking: "Now why couldn't GM build a car like this?". There's no doub't that's where the technology is headed. A good number of work vans our company buys are hybirds. I know a guy who has a Tesla and it's a pretty sweet ride from my observations ..although in all honestly I haven't ridden in it yet. I still like gas, v8 power. I'm a hold-out, most of my vehicles are v8's I guess, but electric technology is coming. Seeing these guys' experiences makes a guy start thinking... Ok, I don't want to get too off-topic now..
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