Volkswagen said Tuesday that 11 million of its cars can appear more environmentally-friendly than they are during emissions tests. That revelation came days after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency alleged such software was on nearly half a million cars Volkswagen sold in the states. What does Volkswagen’s emissions scandal mean for the German automaker and for VW owners worldwide? Here’s what you need to know. What exactly did VW do wrong? The company put software called a “defeat device” on millions of its diesel-powered cars. That software can tell when a car is going through an emissions test, making the vehicle appear more environmentally-friendly than it actually is. What does that mean? Emissions are exactly what they sound like: The exhaust that comes out the back of a car using an internal combustion engine. These gasses are considered harmful to the environment, contributing to climate change. In the U.S., car emissions are regulated at the federal level through the Clean Air Act, and can also be regulated at the state level.
Why would VW want to cheat on emissions tests? The U.S. has tougher diesel emissions standards than Europe, where such cars are far more common. Meeting those steeper requirements can mean reductions in fuel efficiency and performance, making it tougher for an automaker like VW to advertise their diesel cars against more typical vehicles in the U.S. Which cars are affected? The diesel versions of the Jetta, Beetle and Golf model years 2009-2015, as well as the 2014 and 2015 Passat diesel. The diesel Audi A3 model years 2009-2015 is also involved (Volkswagen owns the Audi luxury brand). If you own one of these vehicles, contact your Volkswagen dealer or the company for more information. But this is purely an environmental issue, your personal safety isn’t at risk if you continue to drive your VW. What’s happening to Volkswagen as a result of all this? VW could face billions of dollars in fines from the EPA and, potentially, other government agencies around the world. There’s also the chance of civil lawsuits launched by consumers who feel duped. Meanwhile, Volkswagen has taken a big hit on the stock market, where VW shares have fallen about 38% in two days. VW’s CEO, Martin Winterkorn, was forced to issue a public apology over the matter. But the biggest toll could be felt by Volkswagen’s consumer brand, particularly in the U.S. The company has been working hard to grab more of the U.S.
So with no design experience, he decided to build one himself. The result was Oakmont Country Club, his first and only design - a masterpiece. There isn't one person who can argue with the results from the restoration program, started by Arthur Hills and seen to its conclusion by Tom Fazio. The ugly, old brute of a course is back in full effect! We took separate cars to Pittsburgh for the challenging four hour drive. Why was it challenging? It seemed we were veering around deer and coyotes all night on the extremely dark highways. Jon and I stayed in a hotel just on the outskirts of Pittsburgh, about 5 minutes from the golf course while Harry and Preston arrived a bit earlier and stayed closer to the downtown core. We awakened to a sunny but very crisp morning air and set out for the course at about 9:45am, almost three hours before our tee off time. We pulled in off the main road through the opened gates and drove up to the bag drop, which was manned by two pleasant gentlemen.
They took our clubs, told us to park anywhere we wanted and said that there was currently a frost delay so we'd have to wait awhile before hitting the range. What a gorgeous vista awaits once you walk up the incline between the storage sheds and the side of the pro shop! The 18th green is right in front of you and the clubhouse sits to your right. We decided to hit the pro shop first and shop for some goodies, as we seemed like one of the first groups to arrive. I ended up buying a bunch of hats for some friends and family and also bought myself a nice golf shirt in addition to the book on Oakmont's history already discussed earlier. From there, we grabbed our clothes and headed for the locker room. Boy oh boy what a treat! First, you have the great photos on the walls in the clubhouse and in the little cramped stairway leading up to the locker room.
A signed flag from '73 US Open champ Johnny Miller stares straight at you just before making the left turn toward the stairs. You pretty much have to walk up the stairs single-file to get to the locker room, which still to this day isn't air conditioned! Imagine trying to dry off from a shower up there in the summer time! Original wood-framed lockers abound with low-rising wood benches sitting inbetween each set of rows. These benches still are dotted with spike marks from all the famous pros from back in the day. There is no way the Oakmont membership would even consider replacing them! What a nice touch it was to see our lockers personalized for the day, as you can see above! Just a great, cozy place. I missed out on seeing the card room that sits just off the locker room, one of the only things I missed during the day.
