RANSOMWARE

RANSOMWARE

VW POLO HIGHLINE

Do you know what Ransomware is? Well, for those who don't know, it is a type of computer malware that encrypts your computer documents, photos, databases, files and other general computer data, then demands payment (ransome) to obtain the decryption key. Computer hijackers and hackers normally spread Ransomware, attached to an emails that once executed, opens a security hole in your computer system for them to exploit. The latest ransomware makes use of your computer's RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) port to gain access to computers holding sensitive information. The RDP port is aka as port 3389. However ransomware is not limited to laptops, notebooks and desktop computers, virtually every device that are connected to an IoT (Internet of  Things) platform can be encrypted for ransom and the possibilities are quite varied. An IoT platform is essentially a suite of interrelated Internet enabled devices that deploy  applications that manage, monitor, and control connected devices.

The Internet of Things embrace technologies like Wi-FI, UWB, CAN bus, Bluetooth, ZigBee, RFID (radio frequency identification), GSM OnStar Telematics (GPS,  Tracking & remote door unlocking, Voice recognition & wireless Internet connection) Flexray, sensors, smart phones, smart homes, digital machines and mechanical objects, people or even animals that are allocated a unique identifiers -IPv6 address- with the innate ability to transfer data over a network. 

Can you imagine a hijacker capable of hacking healthcare IoT devices and medical implants; holding pacemaker patients hostage demanding payment or he will turn off their device, without any need for physical contact.  Can you imagine your car demanding money before it will start? Yes, I'm sure you can. Every VW Audi, Skoda and Seat or for that matter every car truck or tractor that was manufactured before 1996 with its glut of sensors, smart relays and internet connected telematics can hold its owner to ransom. An ECU may not hold ransomware per se but it might as well be because every time your cars coughs or sneezes it demands money. And when it refuses to start, it is as if you are being blackmailed by Volkswagen Audi Seat or Skoda into paying them some money before they get your car to start.  

I have a friend who owns a Porsche that he hardly ever drives. When he attempted starting her after about a month in the garage, the  multi-function dashboard display lit-up in red, displaying "battery/alternator visit workshop", then reverted to its normal colours displaying "undervoltage consumer defective". When the specialist Porsche mechanic arrived and jump started the car, several other light that were never on started to light up. Like the brake pad warning light, oil level monitoring failure and the check engine light and finally the  visit workshop message.

Understandably, the amount of automation in our cars today are suppose to make them safer, better and cheaper to maintain but the converse is true. The average VW owner spends virtually 30% of the value of the car before they finally give up on the car. This implies that by the time three VW owners get rid of their cars, Volkswagen got paid for four. VAG car keys are another hijack or ransome. 

Not too long ago I locked my keys in the boot of my VW Polo Highline. I simply thought just buying another key would solve all my problems. But I was mistaken nor was it that simple. I had to furnish them with my Particulars of purchase, copy of registration document,  and the VIN, just to prove that th car belonged to me. The cost of the key wasn't a few hundred rands but a few thousand rands from the a VW dealer, but that's just for the key. It still had to be programmed at a undeclared cost, so that the RFID transponder in the steering stalk of the car can communicate with the key. If that's not holding car owners to ransom then I don't know what is.

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RECALL

FLASH OF DEATH

The Volkswagen emissions scandal has hardly died down, when we heard that Volkswagen is in the dog box once again. The German car giant is in the process of 

'recalling  as many as 3 million 

Volkswagen's, Audi's, Seats 

and Skoda's  worldwide'

due to DSG (direct-shift gearbox) "gearbox problems" that causes loss of power. This is probably one of the biggest recalls in VW's history. Though in comparison  to Toyota's recall of 10 million cars between 2009 and 2010, amid accident fears over sticky accelerator pedals and floor mats, Volkswagen’s recall is but minuscule.  Some believe that the Volkswagen  recall is  bogus. But it's really good to see that Volkswagen is "stepping up to the plate". 

VOLKSWAGEN RECALL

The recall reports that the dreaded 7-dry DSG malfunctions are the result of faulty "temperature sensors" (NTC - thermister) caused by the use of synthetic oil in 7-speed dual-clutch gearboxes.  As such synthetic oil will be replaced with traditional mineral oil. Somehow the Audi 2L TFSI models, the Golf GTI's with the 6-wet DSG and the reliable Tiptronic A/T  are not affected. But that doesn't mean that the wet DSG's are not totally immune to mechatronic failure in the future.  Jetta SportsWagen, GTI and Eos vehicles built between September 2008 and August 2009 and a limited number of 2010 Jetta seem to be most affected. It was probably a bad batch of DSG's.

One is the "false neutral syndrome" where the flashing PRNDS occurs with the car losing all motive power without warning, (traced to a faulty DSG heat/temperature sensor) and the other is where the DSG (direct-shift gearbox; German:- Direkt-Schalt-Getriebe) suffers severe delays at shift points, causing erratic shifting, jerking, long stall pauses, clutch slipping, surging in forward and reverse, etc. 

The "gearbox problem" previously mentioned is non other than the "Flash of Death" aka "DSG Flash of Death" aka "false neutral syndrome", resulting in  a flashing PRNDS. When this happens,  the car loses all motive power without warning, as its transmission goes into limp mode by selecting  3rd gear. But this isn't always the case because subject to the actual "gearbox problem", because the transmission may not disengage. So when the engine is switched off, it may not start thereafter. A second transmission problem revolves around causing erratic shifting, jerking, severe delays at shift points, clutch slipping, surging in both forward and reverse. This  often happens when accelerating, overtaking  or cruising and your VW or Audi is also prone to slip gears and judder at low speeds, even though clutch adaptation may have been done. These faults have been associated with the Mechatronic Unit, bent clutch forks and warped clutch packs. If you have vag-com, you will see that your car threw one or more of the following DTC's, or a variation of them.

17090 - Transmission Range Sensor (F125): Implausible Signal
P0706 - 000 - -

17106 - Transmission Output Speed Sensor (G195): No Signal
P0722 - 000 - - - Intermittent

17114 - Gear Ratio Monitoring: Incorrect Gear Ratio 
P0730 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent

17114 - Incorrect Gear Ratio
P0730 - 000 - - - Intermittent

18113 - Gear Ratio Monitoring: Adaptation Limit Reached
P1705 - 09-10 - Adaptation Limit Surpassed - Intermittent

18149 - Clutch Pressure Adaptation: Limit Reached 
P1741 - 001 - Upper Limit Exceeded - Intermittent

18149 - Clutch Pressure Adaptation: Limit Reached 
P1741 - 35-10 - - - Intermittent

18149 - Clutch Pressure Adaptation: Limit Reached
P1741 - 002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent

18151 - Clutch Slip Monitoring: Signal too Large 
P1743 - 35-00 - -

18172 - Transmission Temperature Monitoring
P1764 - 000 - - - Intermittent

18201 - Transmission Output Speed Sensor 2 (G196): No Signal
P1793 - 000 - -

18226 - Pressure Control Valve 2 (N216): Electrical Malfunction
P1818 - 007 - Short to Ground - Intermittent

18226 - Pressure Control Valve 2 (N216): Electrical Malfunction
P1818 - 006 - Short to Plus - Intermittent

28775 - No communication with Gear Selector Module 
U0103-000--MIL ON

28775 - No Communication with Gear Selector Module
U0103 - 004 - No Signal/Communication

MECHATRONIC UNIT

Long story short, your VW or Audi is more likely than not going to need a mechatronic replacement when you experience the above. However, that doesn't mean every transmission problem can be solved by replacing the mechartonic unit.  I know of someone who experienced the "VW DSG Flash of Death". So, he took his Audi to the VW service agents who diagnosed a faulty Mechtronic unit and a faulty wiring harness. Charged him $3500 for parts and labour and three weeks later, "DSG Flash of Death" struck again. The peculiar thing about the "DSG Flash of Death" is that it affects  brand new vehicles. Cars with as little as 3K kilometers on the clock and virtually none of them exceeding 50K on the clock before the DSG (Dreaded Spiteful Genie / direct-shift gearbox) takes revenge. But a faulty mechatronic unit isn't the only problem Volkswagen is facing. Some 30,000 Volkswagen Tiguans are being recalled in the UK alone because of an intermittent fuse / blown fuse problem that causes headlights to cut out. 

The amount of transmission complaints that NHTSA received prompted their lawyers to get Volkswagen to initiate the recall. 
Be that as it may, VW and Audi branded cars sport really great technology, engineering and performance as well as beautiful aesthetics, but what good is all that if the darned car leaves you stranded every so often, costs a bundle to repair and maintain, besides the darn thing can kills you, when limp mode kicks in on the freeway, with fast flowing traffic on your tail.

OTHER VEHICLE RECALLS

Recalls are common in the motor industry but getting the incumbent to take responsible can be a painful as pulling teeth. Recalls are also as common as sand and by the looks of things,  no auto manufacturer is except.  For example, Ford Kuga SUV fire recall goes all the way back to 2013 in South Africa. Now, they are  in the process recalling thousands of its Kuga (fireball) models following client reports that the SUVs self-combusts.  

Honda is recalling an  additional 775 000 vehicles for defective front passenger airbag inflators that was manufactured by the Japanese supplier Takata.

Toyota is globally recalling all the Mirai fuel-cell vehicles  due to a software bug that can shut off its hydrogen-powered system without warning. Toyota is  also recalling more than 300 000 hybrid Prius vehicles globally due to a defect in their parking brakes. 

Volkswagen will recall an additional 50 000 vehicles in China due to brake problems when the cruise control is activated. 

BMW is recalling some 150 000 cars and SUVs in the US and Canada due to wiring problem to the fuel pumps inside the gas that can cause its engines to suddenly stall.

Mazda is recalling almost 175 000 cars in the US due to the seats can suddenly change angles, making driving difficult.


And the list goes on.

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES

Your car has been misbehaving of late. Somehow she just doesn't seem to perform like she did in the past. It is very likely that there is a problem with your car and that she already threw an error code, now stored in its OBD (on-board Diagnostics) system. Fortunately this stored data can be retrieved via the diagnosis interface because diagnostic error codes have been standardized globally. Implying that the stored data can be retrieved with any Generic Scan Tool. Virtually every VW service center and even some private mechanics have one or more. Many private individuals have also invested in scan tools  because automotive repair cost have just skyrocketed of late hence they prefer to do the repairs themselves. I've been doing all my VW repairs for the past 8 years. 

OK, so now that youv'e done a diagnostic scan of your car, and retrieved the diagnostic scan codes, the printout looks like a foreign language. You desperately need help to understand what it means but you are no nearer to solving the misbehaving problem with the scan in hand, than you were without the scan. Don't worry, after explaining the basics of scan analysis, you will have a decent idea how to interpret your particular scan and perhaps even do the repair yourself before deleting / clearing the error code.

Low cost Diagnostic scan tools from various manufacturers.

Before we start to analyse the scan there are a few things that I need to mention. Diagnostic errors or more correctly DTC (diagnostic trouble codes) are numerous and fall into to categories, viz Generic fault codes / manufacturer-specific fault codes. However, there is a third category specific to VAG vehicles, though many mechanics also consider them as manufacturer-specific. But I will expound on this later. Fault code are divided into four categories viz, P, B, C and U One of these four alphabetical letters always precede  four numerals  and are thus referred to as an alphanumeric  code or just code for short. The P category is by far the most interesting. Both Generic fault codes and  manufacturer-specific fault codes are applicable to all OBD-II vehicles but manufacturer-specific fault code definitions vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and are also different to VAG codes.

P CODES

The P stands for powertrain, meaning the car's engine and gearbox / transmission.  So any and all preceded by a P is associated with engine or transmission problems. For example, P0100 is a powertrain code that correlates to  'mass  air flow circuit problem'. P0200 is also a powertrain code that correlates to an 'open circuit injector'. P0300 is a another powertrain code that correlates to the 'detection of random/multiple cylinder misfires'. P codes start at P0000 and range to P3999.  Generic P codes are a subset of P codes and start with either P0xxx, P2xxx and P34xx - P39xx, implying that P codes  staring at P1xxx and P30xx- P33xx are not generic but manufacturer-specific codes. 

As can be seen above, in the Powertrain system , the first digit after the P indicates  whether or not the code is generic or manufacturer-specific. The second digit identifies a specific area of the vehicle that's at fault. The powertrain components are divided into 9 distinct area as can be seen below. ( Refer to diagram below)

1xx Fault codes related to 'Fuel & Air Metering'
2xx Fault codes related to 'Fuel, Air metering & Injection Circuit'
3xx Fault codes related to 'Ignition System & Misfire Detection'
4xx Fault codes related to 'Auxiliary Emission Controls'
5xx Fault codes related to 'Vehicle Speed & Idle Control System'
6xx Fault codes related to 'Computer Output Circuit'
7xx Fault codes related to 'Transmission / gearbox related faults'
8xx Fault codes related to 'Transmission / gearbox related faults'
9xx Fault codes related to 'Transmission / gearbox related faults'

The third and fourth digits identify the specific component involved with the fault. This can be referenced from a complete list of codes that can be downloaded from various OBD sites. For example, www.outilsobdfacile.com/ www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/ www.launchtech.co.uk  www.trouble-codes.com/ www.automotive-technology.co.uk 

The fault code doesn't identify the actual component that's causing the fault but rather narrows it down the area that needs to be investigated. Often times the sensor that does the detection actually goes faulty. For instance, the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensors are prone to failure, causing the engine to stall or  fail to start. 

OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes Explained

B CODES

B stands for Body and includes the Air Bag and other mechanical / electronic components not associated with the engine and transmission/gearbox. For example, B0005 is a body error code and correlates to a 'park switch circuit malfunction'. B0530 is another body error code and correlates to a 'stuck fuel level sensor'.  Generic body trouble codes start with either B0xxx or B3xxx, again implying that B codes starting with B1xxx and B2xx are manufacturer-specific codes.

C CODES

C stands for Chassis and include the ABS and other mechanical / electronic components not associated with neither  the engine and gearbox nor the body. For example,  C0281 is a chassis error code and correlates to a 'brake switch circuit malfunction'. C0238  is a chassis error code and correlates to a 'wheel speed mismatch'. The generic network trouble codes for C start with  either C0xxx or C3xxx. C codes starting with either C1xxx or C2xxx are manufacturer-specific codes.

U CODES

U stands for User Network. Initially the U stood for “undefined” but is now network-related. For example,  U0109 is a network error code  and correlates to 'lost communication with fuel pump control module'. U0405 is another is a network error code  and correlates to 'invalid data received from cruise control module'. The generic network trouble codes for U start with  either U0xxx and or U3xxx, again implying that codes starting with U1xxx and U2xxx are manufacturer-specific codes. 

VAG CODES

Now VAG codes on the other hand  range from 00000-65535 and don't have any letters. It is just a 5 digit numeral and coincides with the list of both generic code and manufacturer specific codes. For example:-

VAG code 16385 coincides with generic code  P0001 - Fuel Volume Regulator Control Circuit Open

VAG code  16389 coincides with generic code  P0005 - Fuel Shutoff Valve (A) Circuit Open


VAG code   16434 coincides with generic code  P0050 - Oxygen Sensor Heater Bank 1/2 Control Circuit

Generic fault code P0403 equates to a VAG 16787 - EGR Valve Malfunction

Generic fault code P0571 equates to a VAG 16955 code - Brake Switch Signal Implausible 

Generic fault code P1690 equates to a VAG 18098 code - Malfunction Indication Light (K83)


Generic fault code  P1814 equates to a VAG 18222 - Transmission Pressure Control Valve open or Short to Ground 

Generic fault code P0032 equates to a VAG 000050 - Oxygen (Lambda) Sensor Heating Circuit Short to Plus 

Generic fault code P0720 equates to a VAG 17104 -  Transmission Output Speed Sensor (G195) Circuit Malfunction


Generic fault code P1517 equates to a VAG 17925 -  ECU Power Supply Relay  Malfunction 

Looking at your scan printout, especially if it's a VCDS scans, it may be quite evident that there are two or three data systems delivering the same data but in a slightly different format. The clipping below purely displays VAG codes with a numeric description.

Address 17: Instruments Labels: Redir Fail!
Part No: 6Q0 920 820 H
Component: KOMBI+WEGFAHRSP VDO V05 
Coding: 00141

6 Faults Found:
01312 - Powertrain Data Bus 
37-10 - Faulty - Intermittent
01314 - Engine Control Module 
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01316 - ABS Control Module 
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01321 - Control Module for Airbags (J234) 
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01322 - Control Module for Multi-Function Unit (MFA) (J501) 
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent
01309 - Power Steering Control Module (J500) 
49-10 - No Communications - Intermittent


The clipping below displays both generic and VAG error codes as well as a fault description in number code.

Address 01: Engine        Labels: 06A-906-032-BBW.lbl
Part No: 06A 906 032 RJ
Component: 2.0l R4/2V      G   6505  
Coding: 00003
   
4 Faults Found:
17837 - Circuit for Brake Vacuum Pump 
P1429 - 35-00 - Open Circuit
16452 - MAP/MAF  Throttle Position Correlation 
P0068 - 35-00 - 
16804 - Catalyst System; Bank 1 
P0420 - 35-00 - Efficiency Below Threshold
16395 - Bank 1: Camshaft A (Intake) 
P0011 - 35-10 - Retard Set point not Reached - Intermittent

The clipping below  shows VAG 5 digit codes and description numbers.

46 Address: Central Conv. Labels: 1C0-959-799.lbl 
Part No: 1C0 959 799 C 
Component: HLO Komfortgerát 1H 0003 
Coding: 00258 

3 Faults Found: 
01330 - Central Control Module for Central Convenience (J393) 
53-10 - Supply Voltage Too Low - Intermittent 
00849 - S-contact at Ignition / Starter Switch (D) 
25-00 - Unknown Condition Switch 
01359 - Internal Central Locking Switch; Passenger Side (E198) 
27-10 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent

As can be seen in two of the examples above, there are also numbers like, 27-10, 37-10, 49-10, etc. The first two digits of each set of numbers are the numeric equivalent to the text meaning 'Implausible Signal, 'Faulty  and 'No Communications' respectively. Each set of numbers ends in -10, which means 'intermittent'. Hence 27-10 means Implausible Signal - Intermittent, 37-10 means  Faulty - Intermittent and  49-10 means  No Communications - Intermittent. Fault codes can also have a -00 suffix in place of -10 which implies a definite fault (not intermittent). Occasionally you would encounter just a hyphen (-). This implies that the scan equipment could not retrieve further details about the fault and just left it blank. 

HOW TO STEAL AN AUDI

HOW TO STEAL AN AUDI, VOLKSWAGEN, SEAT OR SKODA

Gone are the days when car thieves could slim-jim a car's door, jam a screwdriver into the ignition lock and turn it with force to start the car, or alternatively cut the ignition wires and hot wire the car, and off they go. In most cases stolen cars are seldom recovered, forcing Insurance Companies to hike their premiums. Lobbying  on their part, and government efforts to reduce car theft, resulted that immobilizer and alarm systems started appearing as standard features in most cars.  I believer that it's now mandatory for all new cars sold within the European Union to have an electronic engine immobilizer installed.

IMMOBILIZER

An immobilizer acts as an anti-theft device that inhibits the car's engine from starting, unless the correct ignition key or additional electronic deactivation device is present. This concept makes hot wiring a car totally futile. If the code received from the key is incorrect or missing, the ECU disables the system until the correct key is placed in the ignition, and or the correct key code  is presented, which will allow the car to start. Such electronic devices operate  automatically and effectively prevents thieves from starting a car by hot wiring it, thus incentivising auto Insurance Companies to offer lower rates for vehicles equipped with these anti-theft devices. Be that as it may. Are immobilizers "secure" enough? Especially considering that it only reduced car theft by an estimated 40%. 

Transponder chips used in automotive immobilizer systems

Currently, electronic chips,  algorithms and data encryption systems are used to protect cars from theft. And since its inception, the electronics industry members have had ways of marking their micro chips. In most cases, with  an alpha numeric marking and perhaps a logo. Texas chips had a tiny map of Texas, Motorola had their classic M, Phillips  had an emblem composed of a globe with a doubly wavy equator with two stars in each hemesphere. There were also several other electronic chip manufacturers many of them specializing in specific equipment. But today Philips and Texas Instruments dominates the fob key transponder market with their immobilizer chips. Legacy key manufactures like JMA and Silca each formed in-house electronics departments that specifically focuses on transponder technology and vigarously compete for market share. Then there is also Sokymat, Temic, NXT, Megamos, etc, providing anti-theft transponder / immobilizer electronic devices for keys.

Turbo Key Decoder can unlock any VAG car in just 3 minutes.

A VW 3 button remote fob key fitted with a transponder and a miniature electronic circuit board essentially broadcasts an encrypted radio signal to the receiver fitted in the car's steering column, at the exact moment the driver starts the vehicle. If the signal is recognized by the receiver and the handshake is successful, it then responds by sending an encrypted signal to the car's engine control unit (ECU), enabling the car's engine to start. In Volkswagen vehicles, the miniature electronic circuit board in the fob key handles central lock/unlock and alarm activation which normally operates on the 433Mhz (UHF) frequency band, but some models  operate on either  315MHz or at 868MHz frequency band. 

Volkswagen, Audi and Seat only uses two key blade profiles, namely HU66 and HU49 on both their flat and flip keys, whereas the Skoda uses both HU66 HU49 and SK22 blade profiles. The blades and profiles are visible in the image below which can easily be decoded with a Turbo key decoder or a cheaper Lishi decoder, aka Master Key-Set for VAG for the relevant blade profile.

Volkswagen. Audi, Seat and Skoda key blade profiles.

The intricacy starts with the numerous transponders used in Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda which varies from the PHILIPS ID33 Transponder, to the PHILIPS Crypto ID42 Transponder, to the PHILIPS Crypto ID44 Transponder, to the PHILIPS Crypto ID46 Transponder,  to the MEGAMOS  ID13  Transponder and MEGAMOS Crypto  ID48  Transponder; to the Silca and JMA equivalents. Some  precoded  Megamos Crypto transponders can be coded from the VIN using the appropriate equipment, like the AD100Pro.

Megamos Crypto ID48 transponder (glass)

Having said appropriate equipment; immobilizers according to most of us are  "secure" but research hackers have found vulnerabilities in the engine immobilizers algorithm / encryption system that is supposed to protect the vehicle from theft.  Apparently said hacker hacked one of the most popularly used immobilizers  within a mere 6 hours.  He then released a white paper "Wirelessly Lockpicking a Vehicle Immobilizer" but was gagged by the High Court of London with an interim injunction from releasing his scientific article for public consumption. 

The following is an actual cryptographic hash (SHA-512) 

9d05ba88740499eecea3d8609174b444
43683da139f78b783666954ccc605da8
4601888134bf0c23ba46fb4a88c056bf
bbb629e1ddffcf60fa91880b4d5b4aca

Silicon chip transponder

What this means is that the current 48 bit encryption systems used by most car manufacturers can be easily cracked. The rolling code Hitag2  system used by Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Citroen, Dacia, Fiat, Ford, Lancia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugot and Renault has been crack several years ago and is not secure. A 48 bit system is fractionally secure compared to the 128 bits Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) used for computer data systems which could take more than a 100 years to crack with a Quantum Super Computer. To add doom to gloom, several key decoders and key duplicators are available on the open market and you don't have to be a certified locksmith to be able to buy it, though they is quite expensive. 

"The mechanical turbo decoder can unlock any

 Audi, Volkswagen, Seat or Seat 

within 3 minutes flat".

Once the key is duplicated, the doors can be unlocked  and turning on the ignition is just as simple.  Starting the vehicles is slightly more intricate but still doable. Silca and JMA supplies systems that can do exactly that in just a few minutes. Optika, Lector and Lector Pro reads the code from the key and generates the required code.
What this means, is  that it now easier to steal a car with a manufacturer fitted immobilizer than a car with an anti theft gorilla bar attached to its steering.

Car Steering Wheel Theft proof Lock - Auto Anti-theft Retractable Lock

Laser key cutting machines  and key duplicating machines are as popular as diagnostic scanner software and it is really easy to use. I suppose its just a matter of time before crime syndicates  invest in these devices to further ply their "trade". Looks like Gorilla bars are back in vogue.

VOLVO IS NO LONGER SWEDEN'S BEST SELLING CAR

VOLVO IS NO LONGER SWEDEN'S BEST SELLING CAR

It was just announced that the Volkswagen  Golf won car of the year in Sweden for year 2016. And yes, it's the  very Scandinavian country where the iconic Volvo brand topped car sales each and every consecutive year for the past 54 years . However, for the very first time in history or Volvo or rather more exactly the same number of  years, the German designed and manufactured VW Golf outsold the Swedish manufactured Volvo in 2016.  Volkswagen Golf's accounted for almost 6% of all new cars sold, whereas the combined sales of Volvo’s V70, S90 and V90 only  constituted a mere 5.7%. But this event of Volkswagen beating Volvo at sales is not entirely unique because it happened once before. Way back in 1962, the humble Volkswagen Beetle knocked Volvo off the top selling spot by outselling Volvo. Be that as it may, Volvo still retains the largest share of the Swedish Car market, sanding at roughly 22 percent, with Volkswagen in a close second position with approximately 16 percent market share.

The smokey Ford Kuga is on fire, literally!

Despite the fallout from its diesel emissions scandal, with its cheating  device, Volkswagen AG as a whole is bouncing back, regaining market confidence after  their pledge to focus on electric power in the coming years. VW Golf is Sweden's top seller and currently their most popular car.  The VW Golf sales are  closely followed by VW Passat as the fifth most popular car, followed by VW Polo as the eight most popular car, followed by the Skoda Octavia as Sweden's tenth most popular car.

Volvo has always been known to be a "very safe car" but the Swedes have lost their national pride when Chinese firm "Zhejiang Geely Holding Group" bought the  iconic Swedish brand —Volvo — in 2010. This is probably the real reason why Volkswagen is gaining ground in Sweden? 

"Talking about safe cars or rather unsafe cars. 

The fiery Ford Kuga and the fiery Ford Everest 

are probably the unsafest cars 

on the roads today".

Ford motor company has contacted all Kuga owners by post, urging them to book their fiery Kuga's into their workshops for a free maintenance check, but not explaining the urgency of the matter. No sooner have they done this, when four more Ford Kuga's burst into flames during the same amount of days. According to Ford, it appears that the issue is limited to their 1.6-litre EcoBoost engine but according to owners somehow their Everest is also affected. About a year ago a Ford Kuga driver was  burnt beyond recognition in Durban,  and to-date as many as 40 Kuga fiery incidents have been reported.


1) Ford Kuga owner leaps from burning vehicle in Durban.
2) A PE family is in shock when their Ford Kuga burst into flames.

3) Husband and wife watched their Kuga burnt out.

A all new Kuga hot-rod in full glory

Kuga with frostbite after bursting into flames

A fiery Ford Kuga making like a Volcano

Peculiarly most of the burnt-out Kugas are white in colour.

If it wasn't for the Original Ford Kuga Mag, this burnt out stack could easily
have been mistaken for a Volkswagen vehicle.

Virtually unrecognizable but is definitely a Kuga

From Ford to ashes and from Ford to dust.

It looks like a volcanic eruption but it's really a Ford Kuga

Ford Kuga front-end totally destroyed

However owner reports say that Fords bursting into flames is not limited to the Ford Kuga  EcoBoost Ambiente but rather prevalent on Ford Everest 3.0 SUV as well.  Ford motor company is facing a huge backlash and a potential class-action lawsuit over Kuga fires because Ford Kuga vehicles owners across South Africa are proressively growing concerned over the spontaneously combustion of their vehicles. Yet Ford Motor Company is still trying to dodge burning issue of recalling their Kuga range. The issue that VW went through during its emission scandal is going to be pale in comparison to what awaits Ford Motor Company because there was loss of life. The pics below are just some of the Ford Kugas that were engulfed in flames.

Ford Kuga making like a chimney

 A completely Toasted Ford Kuga

A Ford Kuga imitating a cable.

Fortunately, and all thanks to God, that Volkswagen vehicles don't burst into flames as often as Ford Kuga's do. Below are some pics of Volkswagen vehicles that suffered the same fate as the cars above.

1) A Volkswagen Polo on fire in Bo-kaap, Cape Town
2) A Volkswagen Polo Vivo caught alight outside the Punjab National Bank in India.
3) A VW Polo hosed down by its owner.

A VW Polo caught alight on the south bound R102 in KwaZulu Natal 

A VW Jetta completely engulfed in flames in Verulam-KwaZulu Natal. 

A VW Polo taking time out.

In a certain sense  every car is a potential  / ticking time bomb, considering it is propelled by highly a inflammable liquid like petrol, or diesel,  or LP gas in the presence of engine oil, and other combustible materials like cloth, foam, pleather, rubber, PVC and paint. With a battery powered high current electrical system capable of igniting electrical fires, through arcing or an electrical short circuits acting as a trigger. And Fuel spillage from a burst pipe on a hot engine presenting another trigger amongst others. This can be equated to storing a box of matches with the gunpowder in the same keg, whiles we rolling on it. 

However, if safety standards are observed to the hilt, accidents will be reduced to an absolute minimum. Case in point, the Samsung S7 with its overheating and self-combusting properties has causes many a house to burn down and likewise many a car has caused its driver severe injuries some of whom burn to death.