Wolfsburg-based auto manufacturer , Volkswagen Group , reported a net revenue of $ 240.34bn in 2017 , representing an increase of 4.3 %, year over year , according to German news source De Local . This can be viewed as no small feat in of itself , given the company ’ s ongoing embroilment in the 2015 emissions scandal ; this month , the Quebec courts approved another class action lawsuit against the automotive giant . The cost of recall , production overhauling , and financial reparations is estimated to have cost the company in excess of $ 30bn . In the face of financial setbacks , Volkswagen has turned to the emerging markets of electrical and self-driving cars , acquiring Aurora Innovation at the beginning of 2018 , financially backing the startup ’ s aim to have self-driving cars on the streets in two-to-five cities by 2021 .

58 April 2018