Connect with us

News

Volkswagen exec reaffirms commitment to diesel: ‘Now it is absolutely clean’

(Credit: Volkswagen)

Published

on

Recent comments from a Volkswagen executive suggests that the German automaker is not yet ready to fully let go of diesel-powered vehicles. The comments, which were related by Sebastian Willmann, Head of Diesel Engine Development at VW, were published by the veteran carmaker in a blog post promoting its 2.0 TDI EA288 Evo diesel engine, which is designed to meet the strict Euro 6d-Temp standard. 

During his interview, Willmann highlighted the importance of diesel engines to Volkswagen’s lineup. The executive mentioned that diesels remain popular among car buyers due to their longevity, helping vehicles’ mileages reach between 400,000 to 500,000 kilometers (248,000 to 310,000 miles). Willmann also explained that Volkswagen’s new diesel engine is aimed at reducing CO2 emissions. 

“We were able to reduce consumption by up to 10 g CO2/km or about 0.4 l/100 km compared to the already very efficient predecessor engine – and still increase its output. This is a significant step forward while reducing emissions,” he said. 

https://twitter.com/vwschweiz/status/1159736071497740288?s=20

Addressing what could be described as a stigma surrounding diesel engines following Volkswagen’s high-profile Dieselgate scandal, the executive affirmed that diesels will continue to be part of the automaker’s brand in the future. Willmann mentioned that diesel propulsion will remain particularly effective among heavy vehicles that require long range and lots of torque.   

“Diesel has always been very economical and now it is absolutely clean. Vehicles with the latest emission technology, such as our current diesel engines, emit only very low nitrogen oxide emissions. Our models are at the level of the best competitors… Especially in heavier vehicles, where large ranges and a lot of torque are required and possibly even a trailer to be pulled, the diesel is still the most efficient drive today,” he said. 

Advertisement

The comments of the Volkswagen executive stand in contrast to the current stance of Porsche, an automaker that belongs to the Volkswagen group. Last September, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume announced that the veteran sports car maker is abandoning its entire diesel lineup. While Blume argued that the move is in no way intended to demonize diesel, the CEO stated that it was time for Porsche’s future to be “diesel-free.” The automaker has since doubled down on its electrified and electric vehicle programs, with EVs such as the highly-anticipated Porsche Taycan set to be unveiled this coming September. 

Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess, for his part, has taken a positive stance on the electric car revolution. Last March, reports from Germany emerged stating that Diess, together with the CEOs of rivals Daimler and BMW, have agreed that the future of Das Auto is the electric car. Volkswagen has since unveiled its first all-electric car, the ID.3, which is expected to be priced below 40,000 euros ($45,000) in Germany. Seemingly as confirmation of market’s interest in electric vehicles, the ID.3 was met with much enthusiasm from the EV community. Over the first 24 hours of the ID.3’s unveiling, Volkswagen revealed that it received 10,000 pre-orders for the vehicle.

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

Comments

News

Trump’s auto tariffs spark concerns in Japan

Published

on

2025-toyota-bz4x-free-charging-evgo

Japan expressed concern over President Trump’s auto tariffs, citing inconsistencies with a 2019 bilateral trade deal signed with the U.S.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Japan is committed to the 2019 agreement despite current concerns over President Trump’s new tariffs.

Trump’s tariffs impose a 25% duty on imported vehicles, effective April 3, 2025, and auto parts duties will be imposed in May. The 2019 U.S.-Japan trade deal, signed during Trump’s first term, reduced tariffs on U.S. farm goods and Japanese machine tools.

Then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe secured assurances from Trump, stating, “Between President Trump and I, this has been firmly confirmed that no further, additional tariffs will imposed.”

Advertisement

The 2019 bilateral trade deal did not cover auto trade between the United States and Japan. However, at the time, Prime Minister Abe had received assurances from President Trump that the U.S. would not impose national security tariffs on Japanese car imports. As such, the deal avoided higher U.S. car duties.

According to Reuters, Japan faces Trump’s 24% tariff on its exports to the United States, which were paused until July. Trump’s 25% auto tariff and a 10% universal rate remain intact, impacting Japan’s car-heavy economy.

Ishiba addressed the issue in parliament, noting, “Japan has grave concern over the consistency” between the tariffs and the 2019 bilateral deal. “We will continue to convey our stance (to the U.S.) from this standpoint,” he added, clarifying that Japan has no plans to terminate the agreement. The deal excluded automobile trade and remains a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

Japan’s trade negotiator, Ryosei Akazawa, visited Washington last week to discuss trade issues, including non-tariff barriers and exchange rates. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato is set to meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent this week to address currency concerns, signaling Japan’s proactive diplomacy.

Japan’s firm stance reflects its intent to protect its auto sector while navigating U.S. trade policies. As talks continue, the outcome could shape bilateral trade dynamics and influence Japan’s export strategy amid ongoing tariff uncertainties.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Elon Musk dubs lawsuit alleging false Tesla odometer readings “idiotic”

The lawsuit alleged that Tesla’s odometer readings use “predictive algorithms” instead of actual mileage driven.

Published

on

MINISTÉRIO DAS COMUNICAÇÕES, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Elon Musk has responded sharply to a lawsuit alleging that Tesla speeds up its vehicles’ odometers to avoid paying for warranty-covered repairs. 

Musk’s comment about the lawsuit’s allegations were posted on social media platform X.

The Lawsuit’s Allegations

The proposed class-action lawsuit claimed that Tesla is speeding up its vehicles’ odometers so that they can fall out of warranty quicker. This system, the lawsuit alleged, allows Tesla to save a significant amount of money in repairs.

The lawsuit’s plaintiff is Los Angeles resident Nyree Hinton, who alleged that his 2020 Tesla Model Y’s odometer readings reflect energy consumption, driver behavior and “predictive algorithms” instead of actual mileage driven, as noted in a Reuters report. 

Hinton claimed that based on other vehicles and driving history, his car was stating that he was driving 72 miles a day when he usually drove just 20 miles at most. Because of this, Hinton alleged that his basic warranty expired well ahead of schedule, resulting in him paying $10,000 for a suspension repair that he believes should have been covered by warranty. 

Advertisement

“By tying warranty limits and lease mileage caps to inflated ‘odometer’ readings, Tesla increases repair revenue, reduces warranty obligations, and compels consumers to purchase extended warranties prematurely,” the lawsuit noted.

Elon Musk’s Response

Tesla and its legal team have fully denied all material allegations that were outlined in the proposed class-action lawsuit. In a comment to longtime FSD user @WholeMarsBlog on X, Tesla CEO Elon Musk also criticized the proposed class-action lawsuit. “This is idiotic,” the CEO wrote in a post on X.

Veteran EV owners have also stated on social media that the lawsuit’s claims were inaccurate since Tesla’s odometers do not, in any way, use predictive algorithms. Others also pointed out that repairs are not a major source of profit for Teslas because the company’s vehicles tend to last long without requiring maintenance or spare parts.

Continue Reading

News

Bizarre Tesla Cybertruck attacker in South Korea arrested and detained

The man is also accused of assaulting several people and damaging other vehicles during the incident.

Published

on

Credit: Tesla

A man who attacked a Tesla Cybertruck in South Korea’s Gangnam district has been arrested and detained.

As per reports, the man is also accused of assaulting a person and damaging several other vehicles during the incident.

The Incident

As per authorities, the suspect, who is in his 30s and is dubbed “Mr. A” (suspect names are typically not disclosed in South Korea to protect privacy and prevent possible prejudice), allegedly assaulted a hotel employee on the morning of April 15. 

Following the assault on the hotel employee, the suspect reportedly knocked over a delivery motorcycle. He then went over and kicked a Tesla Cybertruck that was owned by a nearby medical facility. One of the all-electric truck’s side mirrors was damaged due to the attack. 

As per a News 1 Korea report, Mr. A has also been accused of kicking four BMW vehicles at a nearby auto shop. The BMWs’ passenger side doors were damaged by the suspect.

Advertisement

Charges and Arrest

As per the Seoul Gangnam Police Station in an announcement, an investigation into the incident is underway. The suspect was arrested on charges of special assault, property damage, and obstruction of business.

Authorities apprehended Mr. A in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, on April 18. An arrest warrant from the court was released the day after.

Cybertruck Attacks

The Tesla Cybertruck attack in South Korea is quite bizarre as the suspect assaulted both people and vehicles. The incident, if any, seems to be quite different from the attacks on Teslas that have been reported in the United States and Europe, which seemed to be political in nature and a response to CEO Elon Musk’s close relationship with President Donald Trump.

Continue Reading

Trending