Volkswagen may not sell diesel cars in the USA again, in the wake of the emissions scandal and amid stricter emissions legislation.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Hinrich Woebcken, head of Volkswagen’s American outfit, hinted the automotive giant is undecided as to whether to bring diesels back to the American market. The move makes sense, as Woebcken said the US's strict emission standards make it difficult for diesel carmakers to meet legal requirements, which correlates with Volkswagen’s renewed enthusiasm for hybrid models and electric vehicles since the scandal broke.
Volkswagen has been on the wrong end of particularly strong reactions from various American factions, with numerous lawsuits from legislators, as well as its own dealer network. It has also agreed to compensate USA-based VW owners with a compensation and buy-back package, which has been denied to customers elsewhere in the world, prompting criticism from numerous European groups, government and otherwise.
VW’s share of the American market for the year to August fell to 1.8 percent, down by 0.3 percent compared with the same period in 2015, according to the Wall Street Journal. It will look at returning to the diesel car market in America on a product-by-product basis.
Jimi Beckwith
(Autocar UK)