Voltswagen? No, just an early April Fool

Volkswagen's apparent name change to reflect electric vehicle credentials was meant as a joke
By Adam Hill March 31, 2021 Read time: 1 min
No new logo: Volkswagen remains Volkswagen

News that global OEM Volkswagen was changing its name to 'Voltswagen' to emphasise its electric vehicle (EV) credentials appears to have been an early April Fool's joke.

The tradition of deliberately false and often amusing stories appearing in the media on 1 April is long-established, with well-known examples including the BBC's 'spaghetti tree' harvest film from 1957.

VW in the US issued a release - later removed - earlier this week, which announced the name change, and this led to global news coverage.

It now seems that the company may have accidentally released the 'news' in advance of April Fool's Day.

Forbes reports that the company's stock rose on Wall Street following the 'Voltswagen' announcement.

Air Quality & Weather Systems

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Audi C-V2X tech to improve school safety
    April 8, 2021
    Georgia deployment to gain insight over distance needed around school zones and buses
    Read More
  • US connected vehicle pilot deployment sites launch new websites, videos
    July 28, 2017
    The US Department of Transportation (USDOT) connected vehicle pilot locations, New York City (link https://www.cvp.nyc/), Wyoming (link https://wydotcvp.wyoroad.info/) and Tampa, Florida (link https://www.tampacvpilot.com/), have launched new websites and videos dedicated to their connected vehicle deployments. These three locations are leading the charge to deploy advanced wireless communications technology in their vehicles and on their roads in regions throughout the nation. The web sites provide informa
    Read More
  • Quantum XYZ intends to launch air taxi service in Los Angeles
    December 4, 2018
    Quantum XYZ is seeking to use SureFly’s eight-rotor hybrid ‘octocopters’ to launch an air taxi service in Los Angeles. SureFly, a subsidiary of US technology company Workhorse, is currently pursuing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification for its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Quantum intends to submit an application to become a FAA-certified urban VTOL air carrier. The company’s president, Tony Thompson, says: “Once SureFly receives FAA Type certification, we
    Read More
  • Ride-hailing and taxi drivers could face tougher criminal checks in England
    February 14, 2019
    Drivers who ply their trade on apps such as Uber could be under greater scrutiny as part of proposals being put forward by the UK government. The potential risk to passengers from the explosion of ride-hailing apps, as private-hire drivers are perceived to receive less thorough vetting – for example, to flag up past convictions – has long been argued. Incidents such as the murders of passengers by a Didi driver in China heightened such concerns - although critics point out that a US Uber driver who ad
    Read More

Highlighted Content