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%>.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Uber to enter Seattle’s bike-share space
    June 22, 2018
    Uber intends to launch its newly-acquired Jump electric bikes in Seattle, US, in a move which could increase competition among rival firms. The ride-hailing company will decide on whether to apply for a permit once regulations have been mapped out by the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDoT). SDoT is finalising a permit programme for bike-share operators and plans to present a proposal to the city council next month. A report by the Seattle Times says three bike-share companies operate in the city
  • Colorado DOT and partners to unveil self-driving work zone vehicle
    August 10, 2017
    US manufacturer of TMA (truck mounted attenuator) trucks Royal Truck & Equipment is to unveil the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) autonomous attenuator truck, along with partners at Colas UK, and Micro Systems. This work zone vehicle has been designed to revolutionise safety for roadway maintenance crews. Usually positioned behind road construction crews in order to protect workers from the travelling public, the Autonomous Impact Protection Vehicle (AIPV) is a self-driving TMA truck that incre
  • Quarter of Brits ‘would fund smart city solutions from tax’
    April 18, 2019
    Almost a quarter (24%) of British people would be willing to fund smart city solutions using their own tax contributions, according to new research from ATG Access. Part of road barrier specialist ATG’s ‘Smart cities: Turning the dream into a reality’ report, the research found that more than half (57%) would be happy for their tax to go towards smart traffic lights, and 44% for smarter signs which give real-time traffic updates. Nearly a quarter (24%) said they would also be willing to fund smart barrie
  • Italy to stage COMPASS finale
    November 29, 2013
    ITS Italy will host the final event of the European COMPASS (Optimised CO-Modal PASSenger Transport for reducing carbon emissions) project. The 25-month project examined how social, economical, environmental and technological changes will affect transport and derived the key challenges for future policy and planning. Its results will be delivered at the final conference on 13 November in Rome and will include recommendations on improving data collection in passenger transport. The draft programme c