"Dieselgate" refers to a major scandal involving the automotive company Volkswagen that began in 2015. The company was found to have installed software in their diesel vehicles that manipulated emissions tests, allowing cars to appear more environmentally friendly than they actually were. This deception affected millions of vehicles worldwide and raised serious concerns about air pollution and regulatory compliance. The scandal led to significant legal and financial repercussions for Volkswagen, including billions in fines and settlements. It also prompted a broader discussion about the ethics of corporate practices in the automotive industry and the importance of environmental regulations to protect public health.