Does Volkswagen case mean start of electric-car age? Wait and see

Logos of FAW-Volkswagen are seen in this photo. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Germany's federal motor vehicle office has reportedly urged Volkswagen to set a timeline before Oct 7 for the upgrade of its diesel cars to meet the national pollution standards. Volkswagen sparked global outrage last week when it admitted cheating on pollution by installing software in 11 million diesel cars that allowed them to pass emissions tests in countries like the United States. Comments:

Of course, Volkswagen deserves to be condemned and should pay a hefty fine in the US, because it used trickery to meet the environment-friendly emissions standards. However, the green emission standards should be used for civil rating, not as a mandatory certificate that decides the future of a carmaker. Enterprises pursuing higher standards of environmental protection should strike a balance between the two and let consumers decide the value of a product without concealing its flaws.

Beijing News, Sept 28

The German auto giant can only blame itself for the hard blow to its production and sales. But its skullduggery should not be judged in black and white, as emission standards vary from country to country and are usually set and enforced by local governments. It is not possible for other diesel cars to meet the US standards if the German ones have failed. Emission tests need to be fairly conducted in all countries regardless of where the cars are from.

Beijing Youth Daily, Sept 27

Although the Chinese market is not involved in Volkswagen's latest scandal, drivers in the country have encountered mechanical failures while driving other cars. The German automaker's case should be a wake-up call to its Chinese counterparts that they have to strictly abide by environmental protection laws as well. Also, all departments concerned should tighten supervision over carmakers. And customers must stand up for their legal rights.

Xiandai Jinbao, Sept 25

Even if other makers of diesel vehicles have not resorted to the same level of deception as Volkswagen, the scandal could mean that these cars struggle to meet standards applied rigorously to both types of emission. Some fear that this may be the "death of diesel". So be it. If Volkswagen's behavior hastens diesel's death, it may lead at last, after so many false starts, to the beginning of the electric-car age.

The Economist, Sept 26