The modern business world is one of the most cutthroat trading systems ever put in place. In order to remain relevant, companies must come up with cutting-edge ideas that customers would want. In order to increase revenues, they can also cut corners here and there to reach the desired outcome. A slight mistake may cost a company its tenure.
Over the last couple of decades, several carmakers were under the spotlight for the wrong reasons. There were times when carmakers lied about how much power their vehicles produced. Other times, they flat out produced cars that knew would kill its passengers. In the end, these companies and their CEOs were put on the chopping block.
10 Fiery Pinto
The events that triggered the Malaise Era really affected the automotive industry starting in 1973. From that point onwards, American cars were as attractive and powerful as a snail. Ford's most hated car, not the Mustang II but the Pinto, was in the spotlight for something quite explosive.
The Ford Pinto was one of the worst cars of all time, there is no denying that. Manufactured between 1971 and 1980, the Pinto is best known for its awful performances and its poorly-placed fuel tank. The tank was likely to rupture and blow up following a low-speed rear-end crash. Starting in 1973, Ford started looking into the issue, but the damage had already been done. Around 900 people had died, and the company was forced to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements.
9 Slipping Transmission
Some gearheads claim Ford stands for Fix Or Repair Daily. Most Mustang and F-Series owners will go to war if anybody dares to say that. However, when looking at some of the issues associated with Ford cars during the 1970s and 1980s, it is fair to assume that Ford vehicles may not be that reliable after all.
After dealing with one major scandal, notably the one associated with the 1973 Ford Pinto, Ford found itself mixed up in more shenanigans. In the 80s, the company was again featured in the news for the wrong reasons. The Blue Oval automatic transmission system was faulty and did not always stay in the desired gear. Around 20 people died from this issue.
8 Here Comes The Boom
At this point, understanding why anyone would buy a Ford vehicle is a mystery to the vast majority of piston heads. Though the company finally got its act together, it is as if it was led by a bunch of toddlers on a sugar rush between the late '70s and the mid-90s. This another tale of Ford's mishaps over the years.
Ever wondered why whenever you drive by a Firestone shop, it is empty? Back in the late 1990s, internal issues at Firestone led to a decrease in tire quality. At the time, Ford and Firestone were working hand in hand to have their products placed on the market. At a certain speed, Firestone tires would simply explode. As a result, 62 people died in the US. Another 46 died in Venezuela. This costly mishap ended the commercial relationship between the two companies.
7 More Power?
The Chevy Camaro is one of the most iconic sports cars ever made in the States. It has been featured in several TV shows and movies, including the franchise Transformers. However, the Camaro did go through a rough phase. Things had gotten so bad that Chevy ended up discontinuing the Camaro in the early 2000s.
The fourth-gen Camaro is by far one of the ugliest and hated Camaros ever made. In fact, when looking at this 1993 Chevrolet Camaro, it is quite clear why the car did not sell well and was eventually discontinued. That being said, the Z28 edition was full of surprises. It was rated between 275 and 305 hp, but really produced 350 hp.
6 Breaking Bad
Is there anything positive to say about French cars? If you have never been to a country where they are sold, you will never know what it is like to drive a blender on wheels. Sure, French cars are affordable and will take you from point A to point B. Despite randomly releasing outstanding baguette cars, the French are definitely not very good at winning wars and manufacturing respectable cars.
If the name Carlos Ghosn does not ring a bell, then you should definitely look him up. Former CEO of the Renault/ Nissan/ Mitsubishi alliance in Japan, Ghosn had to quickly pack up and leave Japan before facing a judge. The financial would shaking up Renault as well. As a result, then-CEO Thierry Bollore was fired.
5 Brown Envelope
Mercedes-Benz has to be one of the most respected car brands in the world. The brand is synonymous with elegance, luxury, and speed. People always forget that Mercedes was also involved in World War 2, providing equipment for the Nazi regime. Hitler himself used to parade in some of the most high-end Mercedes cars.
This one is a bit tricky. Daimler was caught in a bribery scandal back in 2010. The company was accused of paying foreign governments a total of $56 million in bribes in order to secure specific markets over a 10-year period. Sadly, Daimler got caught red-handed doing what every single multinational corporation does.
4 White Lie
Over the last 30 years or so, two Korean carmakers really shook up the industry. Unlike their Japanese counterparts, Kia and Hyundai did not need to go through the same learning stages. Just like any other car manufacturer in the world, these two companies tried to cut corners.
Though only Kia vehicles are featured, the same issue applies to Hyundai. Between 2010 and 2012, both companies lied about their vehicles emissions. That is over 1 million vehicles. Both companies were fined $100 million dollars, which is not much considering the size of Kia and Hyundai.
3 Floor It
Toyota is known for producing the most reliable and affordable cars. Its Tacoma became America's favorite mid-size truck, while the Camry won the title of America's best-selling sedan. However, the company does not have a clean record. There was a time when the Japanese carmakers manufactured genuine coffins on wheels.
The Camry and Highlander were among the most embarrassing vehicle recalls of the 2000s. Toyota lied about issues relating to its accelerator pedal. Instead of facing the problem, Toyota decided to conceal it from the public. Several people died as a result, and the company was fined $1.2 billion.
2 Clean As A Used Needle
Volkswagen has been producing some of the most affordable cars coming out of Germany. Originally meant to be the "people's cars," Volkswagen never aspired to become anything like BMW or Porsche. The company's plan was to sell as many cheap vehicles as possible, not to create a legacy or notoriety that would attract newer customers.
Things got really heated for Volkswagen a couple of years ago. It got so bad that there is even a documentary named Dieselgate: The Volkswagen Emissions Scandal in which everything about the German company's lies is explained. Volkswagen marketed its diesel-powered vehicles as environmentally friendly, when in fact they were as clean as a V8 engine from the 1950s. To make a long story short, then-CEO Martin Winterkorn was forced to resign.
1 Ghost Riding
General Motors is known for having some of the best domestic car brands under its umbrella. Over the course of more than 80 years, the company came up with vehicles that would please each and every market segment. The company did make some mistakes. Some serious mistakes.
This lie is sort of laughable. In order to appeal to a more environmentally and financially conscious market, General Motors lied about the gas mileage of several vehicles back in 2016. In return, the company offered its owners a check ranging between $450 and 900, or a warranty extension.