Will the recent VW scandal, downsize Passat's sales in the Philippines?

MANILA: Brand's image is like its soul, it remains attached to its very core and affects its every move. Spoiled once it can take forever to recover. One such indecent happened with VW, that pushed its soul into a big, dark muddy pit. It's cleansing will cost Volkswagen heavy bugs, still with no confirmation of a spotless future. But no sympathy thoughts for VW, as the pit it fell in was a self-creation that it dig for other (consumers and environmental agencies).

We will not repeat the same old cheat story that has been broadcasted in a number of times by media. We are here to analyze the aftermath effects of the same and particularly in the Philippines market. VW Ph is soon to launch (21st Oct to be precise) its premium sedan Passat in the market and with scandal's news still fresh in the minds of many, the immediate question is: Will Passat be welcomed with the same warmth as it would have if the scandal remained under cover.

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Let's see... will it or will it not

Now there are two things that every Filipino should know, first it was the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine that was implanted with 'defeat device' (fancy word for the corrupt software used to cheat US agency) and no other power mill is known to be armed with the same. Secondly, who knows if there is another hidden secret that is still buried under many bonnets, chances of which are slim but who knows (a guess, true or false only time will tell). With this mindset, sales figures of Passat will for sure drop down and that too with heavy margin, until and unless VW takes a step assuring buyers that they are pouring big bugs in a defect free machine.

Is buying Passat Safe?????

Well.. yes it is a safe buy coz our market will be only be getting the petrol engine. And a brand as big as VW will not hide any more facts after it has expected its fault on such a large scale. But remember, uneven turn and uncertainty are part of life, so if you are spectacle about with VW Passat then you can go with available options like Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Hyundai Azera.

Read Also: A Word of Relief from Volkswagen Philippines