Volkswagen's Ethical Crisis: Consequences and Possible Solutions

The assignment content discusses the Volkswagen emissions scandal that occurred in September 2015, which led to a significant decline in the company's share price. The CEO resigned, taking responsibility for the fallout, and the company declared a provision of $3.7 billion to cover the costs. The scandal was caused by pressure from top officials, prospect of becoming the world's leading car manufacturer, and rationalization that it was acceptable to install defeat devices in vehicles. The case raises ethical dilemmas, including whether to make the software code public, respecting moral rights, seeking justice, and acting virtuously. Three possible solutions are discussed: rebranding, hiring an autonomous agency for verification, and posting a bond.