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Every cloud has a silver lining and for Volkswagen there has been some very thick, exhaust fume style clouds gathering, since the news of Diesel Gate broke loose.

Not only have they brought their rather good reputation into total disrepute, but the scandal has hit them hard in the stock market, with VW shares tumbling a whopping 40% since they were rumbled in September.

The silver lining? Well there isn’t really one for VW, but one man’s loss is another man’s gain and Fiat, amongst others, have seized the opportunity to boost sales through some clever PR.

VW have been scrambling to regain some face with their customers, offering a “loyalty bonus” of £1,300 to its customers in the states.

But meanwhile in Italy, Fiat have gone on the offensive in a direct move to poach VW’s Italian fan base. The Italian carmaker is offering rebates of over £1,000, to any VW owner that trades in their faulty goods (or vehicle in this case), in exchange for a Fiat Chrysler product.

This is on top of existing incentives running this month on their full range, from the Panda, right up to £1,500 of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Fiat are essentially throwing their net into a small pond, rather than the usual automotive sea, by targeting a specific automobile owner. A lot of work for very little yield in regular circumstances, particularly given the cost of the product and infrequency of renewing it (for most anyway).

But given the betrayal felt by VW customers after this sizable scandal, it might not take them much to be tipped over the fence into Fiat’s garden. A smart move by Fiat and one that is reportedly being copied elsewhere by the likes of Ford.

If you or anyone you know thinks they might have been a victim of Diesel Gate, phone Walton Bridge Garage immediately on 01932 227839 and our automotive experts can talk you through the tell-tale signs. Alternatively come in and see us and we can test your car to see if you’ve fallen fowl to the deception of a major car manufacturer.

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