WHO: American University School of International Service professor Stephen Silvia

WHAT: Discussion and analysis of Volkswagen's diesel engine scandal

WHEN: September 24 - ongoing  

WHERE: Via telephone, in-studio, or at American University

BACKGROUND: It is estimated that 1 in 7 workers in Germany are employed in the auto sector either directly or indirectly. This week's revelation that Volkswagen allegedly installed software on upwards of 11 million of its diesel engine line of vehicles with the intent to dupe regulators and consumers on tailpipe emissions leaves more questions than answers with regard to whether VW can recover or meet its obligations to customers and avoid catastrophic fines. 

American University School of International Service professor Stephen Silvia is an expert on the German economy and labor relations. The answers to the questions above potentially affect millions of Germans and municipalities heavily invested in VW. They may be wondering whether VW is too big to fail.

Silvia is available to discuss how the crisis is not just for the company but for union members, local governments and the national government. The very survival of VW may hang in the balance and drag down Germany's reputation in auto manufacturing.

Prof. Silvia is also available to discuss among other issues:

* How German politicians and the government will react,

* The effect of the crisis on Germany's economy and VW, and,

* How Germany's powerful unions will react.  

-AU-