Abstract

The discovery of Volkswagen’s intentional deception on the NOx emissions of its diesel engine products in September 2015 resulted in nearly an instantaneous loss of 30% of the company’s value. In the weeks and months that followed, VW found itself under attack from nearly every possible government regulator, consumer interest group, and environmental action interest worldwide. It faced $18 billion in potential financial penalties, and possibly of more import, irreparable damage to its global reputation. Out of the hundreds of news stories and investigative committees two questions were repeated: How did this happen and how could it be rectified?

Teaching
This case has been used in graduate degree and non-degree programs to illustrate a number of
general management issues and challenges including corporate strategy, crisis management,
corporate governance, and stakeholder analysis
Case number:
A07-17-0009 Author Michael Moffett
Subject:
General Management
Year:
Setting:
Germany, USA
Length:
18 pages
Source:
Published material