Remember "Dieselgate"? That shocking automotive scandal that began in 2015 is the subject of filmmaker Jules Giraudat’s documentary. Beginning with the discovery by three researchers that Volkswagen was installing software in its cars to fool emissions tests regarding the amount of pollution released by their vehicles, the film tracks the expanding focus of the investigation to include Renault, Citroën, Volvo, Fiat, and Jeep Renegade. All of these models exceeded European nitrogen oxide limits by up to 10 times in real-world driving (i.e., not in a test situation). Besides laying out these facts, the film also engages in a kind of chase-the-culprits journalism that involves taking the fight to industry figures who would rather not speak on camera about breaking laws and betraying consumers. Not surprisingly, the CEOs come across as weasels, who are either running from the filmmakers or providing vague answers to pointed questions. Ultimately, one can’t help but be stunned by the corrupt arrogance of the software ploy at the center of this automotive controversy. Offering a solid examination of corporate malfeasance, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (T. Keogh)
Diesel: The Industry’s Smokescreen
(2019) 55 min. DVD: $59.99 ($299 w/PPR from edu.passionriver.com). Passion River (avail. from most distributors). Volume 34, Issue 5
Diesel: The Industry’s Smokescreen
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