Faster, Higher, Farther: The Volkswagen Scandal

Embark on a gripping journey into the heart of corporate deceit with "Faster, Higher, Farther: The Volkswagen Scandal" by Jack Ewing, a seasoned New York Times reporter who meticulously unravels the shocking truth behind one of the most significant fraud cases in automotive history. This meticulously researched and compellingly written book delves deep into the dark underbelly of Volkswagen, exposing the systematic deception that allowed the German auto giant to deceive regulators and consumers worldwide. Ewing's narrative begins with Volkswagen's ambitious goal to surpass Toyota as the world's leading automaker, a feat they proudly achieved in mid-2015. However, their triumph was short-lived. Just months later, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) dropped a bombshell, revealing that VW had deliberately installed "defeat device" software in a staggering 11 million vehicles. This clandestine software manipulated emissions-testing mechanisms, allowing cars to pass regulatory hurdles while emitting pollutants far exceeding legal limits in real-world driving conditions. "Faster, Higher, Farther" isn't just a chronicle of the scandal itself; it's a penetrating examination of the corporate culture that fostered such unethical behavior. Ewing meticulously traces Volkswagen's history, from its origins as "the people's car" during the Nazi era to its transformation into a globally recognized brand celebrated for its engineering prowess and, ironically, its commitment to environmental sustainability. The book paints vivid and insightful portraits of key figures like Ferdinand Pich, the autocratic chairman known for his relentless pursuit of perfection, and Martin Winterkorn, the ambitious chief executive who inherited Pich's drive for dominance. Ewing argues convincingly that the pressure-cooker environment they cultivated, driven by impossible sales targets and a fear of failure, pushed engineers to the brink, leaving them with what they perceived as no alternative but to cheat. The book exposes the intense pressure employees faced and the lengths to which they went to meet unrealistic expectations, highlighting a culture where ethical considerations were sacrificed in the pursuit of profit and market share. Ewing doesn't shy away from exploring the technical complexities of the "defeat device" and the challenges engineers faced in meeting stringent emissions standards, particularly in the United States. He masterfully explains how Volkswagen compounded its initial fraud by aggressively marketing its "clean diesel" technology, perpetuating a false image of environmental responsibility while knowingly selling vehicles that polluted far more than advertised. The book also shines a light on the unsung heroes who exposed the scandal: a small group of researchers working on a shoestring budget who meticulously uncovered the discrepancies between lab results and real-world emissions. Their persistence and dedication ultimately brought Volkswagen's elaborate scheme crashing down, leading to a guilty plea on criminal charges in a landmark Department of Justice case. "Faster, Higher, Farther" offers a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the corrosive effects of a win-at-all-costs mentality, and the far-reaching consequences of corporate greed. It's a must-read for anyone interested in business ethics, corporate governance, environmental policy, or the inner workings of the automotive industry. With 8 pages of compelling illustrations, this illustrated edition offers a visual dimension to the unfolding drama, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the key players and events that shaped this infamous scandal. It's a story of ambition, deception, and the relentless pursuit of success, regardless of the cost. Discover the truth behind the headlines and understand the lasting impact of the Volkswagen emissions scandal.