Volkswagen's presentation at Geneva Motor Show was interrupted by a protester on Tuesday. The protester said VW's chief executive sent him to fix the car's engine, alluding to the carmakers emissions scandal last year. And to remind everyone that the automaker installed illegal software in its TDI diesel engines to meet USA standards during regulatory testing.
The protester was identified, Simon Brodkin, dressed in VW-branded coveralls, walked onto stage holding a box emblazoned with the words “cheat box” on it. “Excuse me, I have the new cheat box,” he says. Turning to the audience, Brodkin theatrically walks over to VW’s Up! vehicle on stage and says “No one’s going to find out about this one.”
“It doesn’t need a repair, it’s a perfect car,” Stackmann says in response.
As the security guards roll onto the stage the comedian refers to the VW CEO and says, “Mr. Müller says it’s okay as long as no one finds out.” As he’s being escorted off stage, he once more turns to the crowd and says, “Just keep it quiet this time and it will be okay.” He then turns to Stackmann, and says, “Did you not get the memo?”
Volkswagen carmaker has made numerous public acknowledgements and apologies about the flop, promising to fix the issue and restore consumer confidence in the brand. Stateside, a federal judge recently put further heat on VW, setting a deadline of March 24 for a plan to fix the nearly half-million diesel vehicles in the US that are affected by the cheat.
