Legislators React to Volkswagen Scandal
Five hundred thousand of those are in the United States.
Tennessee lawmakers are expressing their disappointment and anger with the giant auto-maker.
REP. GERALD MCCORMICK, (R) CHATTANOOGA, HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER "Certainly, this kind of behavior ..its just inexcusable…it makes you concerned about the management of the company."
SEN. TODD GARDENHIRE , (R) CHATTANOOGA "Personally I think whoever is responsible at that plant in Chattanooga..in top management, needs to have their heads roll. They need to be fired."
Frustration and anger from Tennessee leaders who feel betrayed by the deception pulled-off by Volkswagen with their diesel-powered vehicles. Although local and state leaders think the company will eventually restore public confidence,
they have a lot riding on the outcome.
SEN. "BO" WATSON, SENATE SPEAKER PRO TEM, (R) HIXSON "We have a new investment of 165-million dollars in this company. And anything that may question the sustainability or the stability of that kind of investment…we need to get some assurances about."
The incentive package was to help V-W get set up to build an SUV at the Enterprise South Plant.
Senator Watson is calling for a meeting of state leaders to review the entire Volkswagen agreement.
REP. MCCORMICK "If the consumer confidence is hurt in Volkswagen ..because if sales go down, there’ll be fewer jobs in Chattanooga."
The plant here has led to the creation of more than 10-thousand local jobs–Chattanoogans feel they have a vested interest in Volkswagen.
PAT FLOWERS, CHATTANOOGA "I feel like it affects us…it makes us look bad ..like we’re dishonest because they are such a part of this community."
JENNIFER WEST, CHATTANOOGA "Well just think its a shame…I think a lot of people thought it was a great car to buy ..now they’re stuck with something that really turned out badly."
Volkswagen’s CEO is pledging a fast and thorough investigation of the deception.
Martin Winterkorn said in a video message —"I am asking for your trust on our way forward. We will clear this up."
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