These began innocuously as a concern about floor mats that jammed the accelerator pedals of certain models and then escalated into full-scale recalls of its most popular cars, a temporary shutdown of sales and manufacturing, and government fines and legal actions.

FORBES: Are You Responsible for Your Company's Reputation?

Finally, if the models produce the desired effect, full-scale components are fabricated and tested on the track.

ECONOMIST: CAR DESIGN