Couple Travels Across Country To Return VW Diesel To Volkswagen HQ

A couple wanted to take action when news of the Volkswagen crisis broke so they did what so many consumers do when their product doesn’t meet their expectations, they attempted to return it to the store.

When they found out about the VW emissions crisis, Elisabeth Caspari and Marcus Moench tried to return their 2010 VW Jetta sportwagen TDI. First, they tried to return their vehicle to the Colorado VW dealership where it was purchased. However, that request was not accepted. Sometime after that experience, the couple decided to embark on a major journey to Herndon, Virginia to attempt to return their vehicle to Volkswagen’s North American headquarters.

According to their website whatnextvw.org, the couple feels personally damaged by the scandal. Part of their explanation for their trek reads, “To replace the car and compensate for the excess pollution we’ve unwittingly emitted, we’ve purchased an electric vehicle for all local travel. In addition, the resale value of the Jetta has declined substantially and, if it continues to be on the road, the emissions it generates would continue to impose unacceptable health costs on society.”

This couple clearly is taking on the VW emissions crisis as a personal crusade. The couple stopped on their way to Virginia at various places, taking photos for a Twitter account, which seems to have been created in early January. In the end, the couple arrived at Volkswagen’s headquarters and left their vehicle in the company lot, putting the key on the mat in the lobby. Volkswagen declined to take back their vehicle and asked them to get it out of the lot.

Do you think this personal effort on the part of this couple is an effective way to protest against a vehicle believed to be defective? Did any VW customers try to return their vehicles to your store since news of the emissions crisis broke in September?