VW's era of humility starts with questioning the value of cars

Berlin

VOLKSWAGEN AG, seeking a way out of the emissions-cheating scandal, is trying hard to show it has changed.

The embattled German carmaker abandoned its tradition of kicking off a major car show with an opulent reception. Instead of a 1,500-person gala of self glorification, a young Volkswagen executive took centre stage ahead of the Geneva International Motor Show, speaking to a few hundred guests about a future when parking lots will be transformed into parks as efficient and reliable self-driving cars roam the unclogged streets.