Volkswagen has been accused of ruining crops planted near one of its factories in Mexico by using technology to alter the weather. Local groups have accused the German automaker of causing a dry spell with hail cannons that shoot sonic booms into the air to prevent the formation of hail. Following the complaints, Volkswagen has promised to reduce its use of the cannons at its Puebla factory. "We are happy to know that as a group we have raised our voices against the use of hail cannons by VW Mexico," one group said in a statement posted on Facebook (FB). The cannons have been used for decades, most often to protect crops.

Source: CNN August 23, 2018 16:41 UTC