Volkswagen Scandal. Did PR affect the company?

The allegations that were made against Volkswagen in 2015, had serious legal and ethical implications. It is vital to remember that not all PR disasters focus on unethical behavior but instead, misinformation. However, Volkswagen's relationship with the public is based on trust and reliability, so did customer feedback help Volkswagen avoid future PR crises and regain public trust?

1.8 million commercial vehicles were admitted to be rechecked for the emissions scandal. That number then increased to 11 million, leading to the fall of stock prices. The corporate crisis, has now been in the media for almost two years, showing how Volkswagen is still trying to form strong brand reputation.

PR for Volkswagen did the correct thing though, by immediately apologising. Which rapidly repaired public trust. However, lots of disappointed VW customers do remain as they felt betrayed due to the lies Volkswagen presented.

The emissions scandal came from the inside. Unlike most organisational crises, an internal investigation was held to find out what the problem was and to provide answers to employees and consumers. By being imminent with the results from the investigation. Volkswagen has terminated false information and negative public media. These steps were essential in preventing further reputation damage and regaining public trust.

However, customer feedback helped VW to create a new strategy. The company's 'TOGETHER-2025' will be the biggest change in Volkswagen's history. It aims to create 30 electronic, hybrid models by 2025. This is obviously seen as Volkswagen trying to make amends to the environment since the emissions from VW cars were emitting 40x the legal amount.

The new strategy is the beginning of the company's road to success and to forget about 2015's biggest PR fail. Can this campaign make the public re-trust Volkswagen to become a successful global leader? Or, is this a PR stunt, to turn the reputation of the company around.

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