Volkswagen is Germany鈥檚 biggest private employer. They employ approximately 300,000 people across Germany, 60,000 of which are at the main manufacturing plant. Another 600,000 or more are employed worldwide. These jobs along with the company as a whole were in jeopardy when Volkswagen was found to have installed software onto their vehicles that cheated emissions testing on their diesel cars. Volkswagen spent years promoting their 鈥淐lean Diesel鈥?cars as an alternative to electric and hybrid cars, which included the models of Passat, Golf, Beetle, and Jetta. They campaigned heavily to boast about how 鈥済reen鈥?and fuel efficient their cars were, and Volkswagen customers were impressed with the ads and claimed they felt enticed into buying diesel cars because of the environmental benefits and new diesel technology. But in September of 2015, the Environmental Protection Agency discovered these claims were not true. The EPA found the company had installed computer software onto the diesel cars which cheated the emissions testing of the cars.
This computer software, nicknamed 鈥渄efeat devices鈥? allowed the cars to sense when it was in a test mode and when it was under regular driving conditions. The emissions software devices were installed on more than a half million cars in the United States, and approximately 11 million cars worldwide. The EPA sets particular parameters for emissions testing, and the software could recognize the conditions under which testing took place and would 鈥渁ctivate鈥?to control the emissions. When under normal driving conditions, the software would switch off, allowing more pollutants to pass through the exhaust system which improved the fuel consumption and power of the car. But the emissions output of nitrogen oxide was approximately 40 times above the limit set by the EPA. The software also changed the fuel pressure, injection timing, and exhaust-gas recirculation. When nitrogen oxide is released into the air it quickly converts to nitrogen dioxide. It is the most harmful form of nitrogen oxide.
It is linked to many respiratory problems such as asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. This smog can also end up being washed into the ground in the form of acid rain that can harm wildlife and plants. A study released in October 2015 by public health researchers from Harvard and MIT found that 59 Americans will die prematurely from the excess pollution. The EPA and the United States Department of Justice announced in September 2015 that they filed a civil suit against Volkswagen for the software that caused exaggerated test result readings. The ramifications of this lawsuit are globally substantial, resulting in billions of dollars in fines, litigations and sanctions. The cost of recalling the vehicles is also enormous. Volkswagen has to also contend with over 500 class action suits from consumers, used car dealers, and dealers of competing models who claim unfair competition, and shareholder suits. 10 billion of that will be to buy back or fix the affected vehicles. 3 billion to compensate for the negative impact the cars had on the environment. 500 million in fines for defrauding customers, and the company faces a criminal inquiry with the Department of Justice. Diesel cars represented about 20% of Volkswagen鈥檚 U.S. Volkswagen owned about 70% of the whole diesel passenger car market. The company is no longer allowed to sell diesel cars for the time being, and all preowned diesel cars also must not be sold. Tabuchi, Hiroko and Jack Ewing.
Inside, rear seating room tops 38 cubic inches, comparable to what some midsize cars offer. Still a compact, Volkswagen has done everything to keep the Jetta at the top of the segment's pack, while lowering its price. 16,000, just above the price of the Corolla and Civic. But what sets the Jetta apart from everyone else is what can be found under the hood. Volkswagen may not win the price war, but they certainly take top honors when it comes to powertrain selection. Four engines are offered including the potent 2.5-liter five-cylinder and 2.0-liter TSI. No other car in its class offers a diesel, with the 2.0-liter TDI likely to once again offer highway fuel economy well north of 40 mpg. You'd be hard-pressed to find a six-speed anything in this class; an unusual auto trends at that. Back inside, the Jetta gains a new steering wheel design, with ergomatically situated controls. On the console, controls for audio, climate and navigation have been repositioned; indeed, the entire console is tilted toward the driver. Rear seating improvements include a folding 40/60 seatback, while the rear liftback opens with a remote unlock switch. Safety remains high up on the Jetta's list of important features, with six airbags standard, stability control and what will likely be high marks in crash tests. Will you put the Volkswagen Jetta on your compact car buying list? You should or, even if you prefer a midsize this model, this car may give you what you want thanks to its roomy interior, ample storage and class-leading engine choices. Yes, Volkswagen has arguably the best compact car on the market, a new improved Jetta with good looks, solid engineering and driving fun to go with it.
The 2006 Volkswagen Jetta has a 5-speed manual. Is the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta electric or gas? The 2004 Volkswagen Jetta is a gas-powered vehicle. What size engine does the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta have? The 2007 Volkswagen Jetta has an inline 5 engine. What size engine does the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta have? The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta has an inline 4 engine. Is the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta electric or gas? The 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is a gas-powered vehicle. What kind of transmission does the 2007 Volkswagen Jetta have? The 2007 Volkswagen Jetta has a 5-speed manual. What kind of transmission does the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta have? The 2001 Volkswagen Jetta has a 5-speed manual. What kind of transmission does the 2008 Volkswagen Jetta have? The 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has a 5-speed manual. What is the drag coefficient of the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta? The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has a drag coefficient of 0.31 Cd. What is the drag coefficient of the 2014 Volkswagen Jetta? The 2014 Volkswagen Jetta has a drag coefficient of 0.30 Cd. What is the curb weight of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta? The curb weight of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is 2842 lbs.. What is the maximum payload of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta? The maximum payload of the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta is 930 lbs.. What is the cam type of the 2013 Volkswagen Jetta? The 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has single overhead cam (SOHC).
