Dieselgate Meets EVgate: As Tesla Loses to Volkswagen in Decade-First Failure, How Should You Play TSLA Stock?

Back in 2015, Volkswagen (VWAGY) was engulfed in one of the biggest scandals in automotive history: “Dieselgate.” The revelation that millions of its “clean diesel” vehicles were equipped with emissions-cheating software shattered consumer trust, cost the company billions, and nearly toppled the German automaker. At the same time, Tesla (TSLA) was on the rise, positioning itself as the authentic clean-energy alternative. Nearly a decade later, however, the tables have turned in dramatic fashion.

This year, Tesla has suffered a symbolic blow: Volkswagen has overtaken the EV pioneer in Europe, outselling Tesla and regaining ground once thought lost forever. What makes this moment especially striking is the irony. Tesla, once elevated by Volkswagen’s “Dieselgate” misstep, is now facing its own reputational and operational headwinds, what some are calling an “EVgate.”