And this is also happening – the five most important scandals in the history of the world car industry

Killer pillows

Company Potatoeswhich was established in 1933, before the beginning of the new century was one of the largest manufacturers of car safety systems. However, his reputation fell when it became known that there were airbags Potatoes it worked incorrectly: the squibs detonated the airbag with too much force, and pieces of the metal body caused serious injuries to passengers, sometimes even fatally.

The scandal gradually increased. The first signs of problems appeared in the early 2000s, but the company’s management decided not to do anything. As a result, the US authorities launched a major investigation, and in 2015 it was recognized Potatoes it made airbags dangerous. The company was fined heavily and faced several lawsuits. Total losses were estimated to be between $10 billion and $50 billion, leading to the company’s bankruptcy in 2017.

Diesel gate

18 September 2015 became a black day for the concern Volkswagen. On this day, it was announced in the United States that the diesel cars of the concern are equipped with programs that underestimate harmful emissions during certification tests. This scandal, known as “Dieselgate,” became one of the biggest in the history of the automobile industry.

As a result of the action VW it fell apart, and most of the management of the concern had to resign. One of the managers was even sentenced to seven years in prison in the United States. The concern had to recall about 11 million cars and lose tens of billions of dollars.

Dangerous at any speed (but not quite)

Late 1950s Chevrolet launched a compact model Corvairaimed at young people and shoppers on a budget. However, in 1965, attorney Ralph Nader published a book, Dangerous at Any Speed, in which he criticized Corvair for mistreatment. Although the car received an updated rear suspension in 1964, which improved its handling, Nader’s book caused quite a stir. General Motorsinstead of avoiding the criticism, he tried to discredit Nader, which only made the scandal worse. As a result, the Corvair became the center of attention and fame GM suffer greatly.

Who is to blame: the tire or the car?

Ford and a tire manufacturer Firestone he collaborated for about 100 years, but in 2000 this friendship was overshadowed by a scandal. SUVs Ford Explorer often involved in high speed accidents and investigations revealed that tires were to blame Firestone Wilderness ATin which the tray could separate, which led to the destruction of the wheel. It is believed that around 250 people died because of these tires. The scandal dealt a huge blow to the reputation Fordwho lost at least $3 billion, and their long-term friendship with him Firestone it was destroyed.

Toyota pedal scandal

“Pedal” scandal. Toyota it was a big blow to the brand’s image. In the early 2000s, the owners Toyota they started complaining that their cars were accelerating spontaneously. The company first blamed the problem of placing floor mats correctly, then on gear, but in the end Toyota took all the blame, carried out large-scale recall campaigns and paid compensation. Toyota the problem responded quickly, which allowed to reduce the damage, but the scandal still left a negative mark on the reputation of the brand.