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German car fans were rocked by the news this week that the country's leading automotive association had faked its annual voting for the favourite car.
The Yellow Angel scandal -- with the 18-million member ADAC motoring organisation admitting it faked the numbers that gave the VW Golf the coveted trophy, has rocked the public and media there.
ADAC insists that the Golf would still have won, despite the reported numbers being inflated ten-fold. However Volkswagen has now distanced itself from the award, removing all refences to it from advertising for the Golf and reportedly offering to hand back the trophy.
The German government has demanded the true figures be revealed by ADAC, which is loved in Germany for its 'yellow angel' roadside assistance patrols and rescue helicopters. The organisation has also been a strong lobby group for road and car safety, and operates a number of commercial arms providing insurance, car rentals and holidays.
ADAC management said it was not aware of the deception, and the ADAC's magazine editor, Michael Ramstetter, shouldered responsibility for the faked results and has resigned.
This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott
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