Chinese Blast Takes Out Nearly 2000 New Volkswagens

The explosion in the Chinese city of Tianjin late last week was devastating on many, many levels. Current reports from CNN place the death toll at more than 100 people, with another 57 still unaccounted for. Damage to local infrastructure is also quite serious, as the blast sent shockwaves that shattered glass windows, and covered the landscape with debris and a curious substance that appears to emit heat and steam when exposed to water. And as the blast happened at a port, damage to goods was also quite significant.

Local sources are saying that nearly 2000 new Volkswagens and 1000 new Renaults were claimed in the explosion, including 1065 Touaregs, and nearly 400 Beetles. All cars that were destined for what has become the automaker’s largest market.

Volkswagen’s cars are all likely insured, and although a ripple effect will be felt by the automaker, it pales in comparison to what has happened to the people of Tianjin. CNN is now reporting that Chinese authorities are opening a formal investigation into the matter with 10 executives already detained, so it’s safe to say that we’ve not yet heard the last of this story.

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