Watch Backfired - When VW Lied To America

Backfired - When VW Lied To America is a documentary-style film that explores the truth behind Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal that was uncovered in 2015. It is directed by Dale Bell and features Warren Olney as the narrator. The film takes viewers on a journey through the scandal that rocked the automotive industry and caused irreparable damage to Volkswagen's brand. It begins by looking back at Volkswagen's history, emphasizing their well-known slogan "Das Auto" which promised reliability, performance, and fuel efficiency.

But in 2015, it was revealed that Volkswagen had been lying to their customers and the public about the emissions produced by their diesel engines. This was exposed by researchers at West Virginia University who discovered that Volkswagen's diesel engines were emitting up to 40 times more pollutants than allowed by US law.

As these revelations became public, the film shows the reactions of the media, government officials, and Volkswagen executives. It captures the shockwaves that rippled through the automotive industry, and the public's reaction to the company's deceit.

The film also delves into the investigation that followed the revelations. It shows the diligent work of the Environmental Protection Agency, the California Air Resources Board, and other agencies who worked tirelessly to uncover the truth and bring Volkswagen to justice.

Throughout the documentary, the film interweaves expert analysis and interviews from key players. The interviews range from former Volkswagen employees, automotive industry experts, and environmentalists working on the impact of their emissions on the environment and the health of the general public. Their insights provide a deeper understanding of the impact of Volkswagen's deceit and bring to light the ecological costs, followed by the financial ones.

The film also explores the fallout from the scandal on Volkswagen's employees, shareholders, and customers. As the truth unfolds, Volkswagen's stock prices plummeted, they were forced to recall millions of vehicles, and faced billions of dollars in settlements.

Despite the significant consequences, the film highlights how the aftermath of the Volkswagen scandal offers a case study on how to hold corporations accountable for their actions, and how to make reparations for environmental mismanagement.

Overall, Backfired - When VW Lied To America offers an in-depth look at the scandal from multiple angles, shedding light on the impact of Volkswagen's deceit on the public, and the multi-faceted effects of environmental pollution through transportation. It is an essential watch for anyone interested in the intersection of regulation, corporate conduct, and the human toll of environmental and public health abuses.

Backfired - When VW Lied To America is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes.