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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%>.

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