Recapping the Biggest Automotive Stories of 2015
A new year is on the horizon. For many automakers, 2016 is a chance to put some distance between themselves and the scandals that tainted their reputations in 2015. For others, 2016 is set to be another year of innovation and success. But before anyone can predict what the new year will bring, here’s a quick look at some of the biggest auto stories of the year, courtesy of the Toronto Star.
Volkswagen cheats about emissions
In the category of major automotive scandals, Volkswagen takes the title. Back in September, authorities discovered that the German automaker had been cheating on emissions tests in at least 9 million of its diesel vehicles.
Tesla tops Consumer Report reviews
Tesla keeps making headlines -- in a good way. The futuristic Tesla Model S got 103 out of 100 in the Consumer Report’s 2015 review. The score was rounded to 100, marking the first perfect score that the magazine has ever awarded to a vehicle.
General Motors and Takata take home expensive recalls
After GM’s ignition switch recall, the company was forced to make a $900-million criminal settlement with the U.S. government. Meanwhile, U.S. authorities hit Takata with a record-breaking $200-million fine for its airbag recalls. And Takata’s financial losses won’t end there: following the recall, many automakers will no longer use Takata airbags in their vehicles at all.
Fiat Chrysler’s new-age vehicles lead to cyber-security threats
In 2015, close to 1.4 million Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler vehicles were recalled after experts discovered security gaps in Fiat Chrysler’s UConnect infotainment system.
Canada’s auto sales reach new heights
The year isn’t quite over yet, but Canada is already on its way to surpassing 2014’s record 1,853,000 auto sales. So far, nearly every month in 2015 has seen a surge in vehicle sales.
Image Courtesy of Adobe Stock