Dieselgate
Automotive emissions scandal
Dieselgate refers to the 2015 scandal in which Volkswagen was caught installing software in diesel vehicles to cheat emissions tests.
The cars detected when they were being tested and temporarily reduced nitrogen oxide output, while emitting up to forty times the legal limit during normal driving.
The scandal affected eleven million vehicles worldwide, cost Volkswagen tens of billions in fines and settlements, and damaged the reputation of diesel technology generally.
The -gate suffix follows the pattern established by Watergate for naming scandals.
German automobile corporation
- emissionsSubstances released into air
- cheatingDeceptive rule-breaking
- EPAFederal environmental regulator
- cover-upHiding wrongdoing from public
deception · fraud · revelation · whistleblower · investigation · exposure · fallout · admission
Environmental harm from waste
- air qualityPollution level measurement
- smogSunlight-activated urban pollution
- health impactEffect on bodily wellbeing
- nitrogen oxidesCombustion byproducts harming air quality
respiratory illness · climate · greenwashing · emissions standards · public health · particulates · ozone · urban pollution
Civil court proceeding
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
- fineAcceptable in quality
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
- indictmentFormal charge from jury
class action · restitution · penalty · criminal charges · extradition · plea deal · conviction · damages
Federal environmental regulator
- testingExamining to evaluate
- certificationAttestation of qualification
- complianceAdhering to requirements
- standardsAccepted levels of quality
enforcement · oversight · loophole · laboratory testing · homologation · inspection · audit · monitoring
Diesel engine technology brand
- exhaustUse up entirely
- engineMachine producing motion
- catalytic converterExhaust detoxification unit
- fuel injectionPressurized engine delivery system
turbo · combustion · powertrain · emissions control · tailpipe · fuel efficiency · torque · horsepower
German premium car manufacturer
- PorscheGerman luxury automaker
- boardFlat rigid panel
- resignationVoluntary relinquishment of position
- accountabilityObligation for one's actions
executive · management · shareholders · stock price · brand damage · leadership · restructuring · corporate governance
Volkswagen
German automobile corporation
- emissionsSubstances released into air
- cheatingDeceptive rule-breaking
- EPAFederal environmental regulator
cover-up · deception · fraud · revelation · whistleblower · investigation · exposure · fallout · admission · denial
pollution
Environmental harm from waste
- air qualityPollution level measurement
- smogSunlight-activated urban pollution
- health impactEffect on bodily wellbeing
nitrogen oxides · respiratory illness · climate · greenwashing · emissions standards · public health · particulates · ozone · urban pollution · carbon footprint
lawsuit
Civil court proceeding
- settlementResolved dispute or colony
- fineAcceptable in quality
- prosecutionPursuing legal charges
indictment · class action · restitution · penalty · criminal charges · extradition · plea deal · conviction · damages · litigation
EPA
Federal environmental regulator
- testingExamining to evaluate
- certificationAttestation of qualification
- complianceAdhering to requirements
standards · enforcement · oversight · loophole · laboratory testing · homologation · inspection · audit · monitoring · European Commission
TDI
Diesel engine technology brand
- exhaustUse up entirely
- engineMachine producing motion
- catalytic converterExhaust detoxification unit
fuel injection · turbo · combustion · powertrain · emissions control · tailpipe · fuel efficiency · torque · horsepower
Audi
German premium car manufacturer
- PorscheGerman luxury automaker
- boardFlat rigid panel
- resignationVoluntary relinquishment of position
accountability · executive · management · shareholders · stock price · brand damage · leadership · restructuring · corporate governance · CEO
Dieselgatetransparency
State of being see-through
ethical business practices · clean hands · corporate accountability · whistleblowing · self-reporting
Dieselgateclean technology
Environmentally conscious industrial solutions
Tesla · zero-emission vehicles · carbon neutrality · environmental stewardship · clean energy transition
diesel, gate, gates, gated, gating, gatehouse, gatekeeper, gatekeeping, gateway