South Korea Fines Volkswagen and Orders Recall Over Emissions Scandal

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/27/business/international/volkswagen-south-korea-recall.html?ref=international

            On Thursday November 26^th, South Korea has recalled over 125,000 Volkswagen cars. This was due to South Korea’s Environment Ministry ruling after their investigation into Volkswagen automotive cars; their investigation determined that the German carmaker had illegally manipulated an emissions device in cars with older diesel engines.  The investigation conducted by the Environment Ministry started in September after Volkswagen admitted that approximately 11 million cars worldwide had been fitted with cheating software. These devices made it appear that the diesel-powered Volkswagen cars were emitting less nitrogen oxide levels than they actually did. On November 26^th, at a press conference in Sejong, South Korea, Director of South Korea’s Environment Ministry Hong Dong-gon announced the findings from their investigation of Volkswagen that proved the illegal manipulation of nitrogen oxide emissions. Moreover, the engine breached set emission levels when the car was not under the usual test conditions such as during sudden acceleration, when air conditioner was turned on, and when the car was on the road said Director Hong Dong-gon. Volkswagen has completely acted unethically by abusing their moral obligations and violating environmental regulations. The cause of this can be related to various things such as decision making processes, organizational culture, and leadership, but so far we cannot confirm the root of this problem within Volkswagen. This led to the collapse of Volkswagen’s brand value.