Skip to main content

Eight ways Volkswagen can regain their customers’ trust

In the light of Volkswagen's concession of corporate wrongdoing in circumventing EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) testing in the US, Frost & Sullivan has proposed eight strategies the company can utilise to regain consumer trust, fuel sales volumes and develop sustainable revenue growth opportunities. Frost & Sullivan says developments in clean diesel technology and internal combustion engines (ICE) have been substantially pushed back by years. The immediate impact of this crisis goes beyond Volkswa
October 6, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
In the light of 994 Volkswagen's concession of corporate wrongdoing in circumventing EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) testing in the US, 2097 Frost & Sullivan has proposed eight strategies the company can utilise to regain consumer trust, fuel sales volumes and develop sustainable revenue growth opportunities.

Frost & Sullivan says developments in clean diesel technology and internal combustion engines (ICE) have been substantially pushed back by years. The immediate impact of this crisis goes beyond Volkswagen and the US reaching OEMs, many component suppliers, dealerships, regulatory authorities and testing agencies.

It proposes that Volkswagen should: Focus on emerging markets; Position hybrid and electric powertrain as priorities; Focus on passenger safety; Position the company as a pioneer in sustainable mobility and synthetic fuels; Treat connected cars as a basic and major focal point; Bring 2125 Audi, 1656 Porsche, and other brands to the fore; Increase focus of commercial vehicle business; Conduct rigorous voluntary emission testing and certification.

“The Volkswagen crisis could have far-reaching implications for the future of diesel powertrain, resulting in even more stringent regulations and higher investment costs,” said Frost & Sullivan Automotive & Transportation senior research analyst Arun Chandranath. “Costs for carmakers to comply with emissions requirements could rise and consumers could be turned off by diesel cars.”

The automotive industry was prepared for an anti-diesel sentiment with the shift in new technologies making them more efficient and environmentally friendly than some gasoline vehicles. Auto regulators have been more focused on climate change and greenhouse emissions than concerned for public health and air quality. Regulators are under immense pressure to ensure higher standards and to restore credibility.

“Recovery will not be easy for the world’s largest auto manufacturer, however transparency and communication is essential for Volkswagen to win back the market and consumer trust,” concludes Chandranath. “Volkswagen’s recovery is critical for the overall health of the automotive industry.  Currently, Volkswagen is standing trial, but everyone’s future is at stake.”

More information on Frost & Sullivan’s insight into the Volkswagen crisis can be found on their %$Linker: 2 External <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary /> 0 0 0 oLinkExternal website Visit registration page false http://ow.ly/T3Kw4 false false%>.

Related Content

  • July 30, 2015
    Impact of driverless cars on logistics and insurance at GIL 2015
    To help industry leaders identify the way forward and future growth strategies, Frost & Sullivan brings together a global network of visionaries and thought leaders at its annual Growth, Innovation, and Leadership (GIL) conference 2015 in Monaco on Friday, 23 October. The event at the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort will feature a mix of Frost & Sullivan experts and distinguished industry visionaries. The impact of new business models and a new world of opportunities that are shaking the marketplace are
  • October 19, 2012
    Call for entries for 2013 best of ITS awards
    The Intelligent Transportation Society of America (ITS America) will recognise member organisations that have produced the most innovative products and services in the intelligent transportation systems industry during the 2013 Best of ITS Awards at the 23rd Annual Meeting & Exposition in Nashville Tennessee. ITS America Members, including private sector companies, research institutions and public agencies can submit entries for the highly competitive program until 25 January 2013. ITS America will award wi
  • April 17, 2019
    Volkswagen tests Level 4 AVs in Hamburg
    Volkswagen Research is testing autonomous vehicles (AVs) at SAE Level 4 in real driving conditions in the German city of Hamburg. The announcement comes as the fall-out from VW’s ‘Dieselgate’ nightmare – when the company was found to have programmed turbocharged direct injection diesel engines to activate their emissions controls for laboratory tests - putters on. This week the company’s former chief executive Martin Winterkorn was charged with fraud for his involvement. But VW has admitted that the scan
  • December 1, 2015
    VW scandal prompts emissions testing debate
    In the wake of the VW scandal John Kendall looks at emissions testing on both sides of the Atlantic. Since the VW emissions story broke in September, emissions testing has come under greater scrutiny, and none more so than in Europe, where critics have long been highlighting the weaknesses of the testing system. Ironically, changes to the emissions testing process were already under review but the story has pushed it up the agenda.