I'm not that convinced on the few hundred deaths per year.... but I am not suggesting that I am going to improve the calculations myself. I just suspect a few hundred deaths makes a better story for the media to grab hold of. I am pretty sure if total deaths from all vehicles due to this emission was known and then the total output of the VWs compared to that of all vehicles combined as a percentage (including trucks etc.) that number of deaths will be very small. If it is not, then there must be a LOT of people dying from this. Also, I hear figures of 40X the limit. I am pretty sure these cars are not constantly putting out 40X the limit. Probably under a specific operating condition that represents a very small % of real use they may do this, and the average is much less. Pretty sure the calculations done would not reflect this.
So do you think that the F150 (on a per vehicle basis) is killing more people than deceptive VWs. Are the regulations responsible if they allow this?
As you can see, I have not got the time or inclination to go and work out the real story myself and I assume you do not either. What I do have is a fair bit of scepticism relating to the media, and the way countries will protect their local industries by stacking the deck to suit them. I have seen the ways car manufacturers have used to pass emissions tests in the past that allow tests to be passed even though actual emissions were not reduced. I agree that legalisticly VW have been more deceptive than I have seen before, but I've stated my opinion on the "quality" of the regulations and the legal system in general. I also know that 10+ years ago every diesel car put out far more emissions so it is not like the world has suddenly turned into a death trap because of this.
For me this is about the irony of giving the stamp of approval to huge diesel trucks that continue to be the most popular vehicle sold in the US while making a big deal about this VW issue. I'm pretty sure which is causing more environmental problems.
These small diesel engines are capable of returning 5-6L per 100km, I haven't checked but if these cars weren't available and everyone that now owns one was driving around in a car of 8-10L per 100km wouldn't this actually be worse for he environment?
I have a fiat diesel and I'm pretty sure the Italians would be on to the same sort of scam.
Another way to beat emissions laws would be to do an ECU update at the first service, just saying not encouraging.
Mother nature will fix things her way, like putting on another ice age to put us in our place.
Aloha
Paul