Germany's ADAC automobile association (similar to our American Triple A), loves to uphold its angelic image as the protector and savior of motorists stranded on the wide open freeways of Germany.
An economic and political power house with a turnover of billions of euros annually, their TV ads continue to feature yellow tow trucks, Gelbe Engel (amber angels).
One of the annual publicity highlights of the club is the Gelber Engel awards, where members pick Germany's favorite automobile of the year in one of several award categories.
The 19 million member club has had its share of issues over the decades but this year a persistent rumor has turned out to be true.
Vote rigging.
The press chief of the club has admitted the votes for Germany's Most Favorite Car were rigged and has resigned. Here is a detailed article in German.
Will there be legal consequences?
No, because the club has never claimed that the poll is supervised by a notary or lawyer.
Club leadership is in full damage control mode and has promised to look into possible manipulation of past awards as well as creating supervision of future polls.
It'll all blow over soon, the PR department will see to that.
So, if you come to Europe for a vacation, do not worry. The Amber Angels of the ADAC will be there for you if your rental breaks down on one of the desolate stretches of autobahn where the nearest gas station can be up to three miles away.
We briefly thought about submitting our new club slogan to the leadership for a vote but then went, heck, let it go.
The slogan was: Amber Angels! We cheat but we help!
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