It's idiotic for any government to fine a company so big to the point of bankruptcy. Volkswagen employs over 600,000 people and as the world's biggest manufacturer it employs millions more indirectly though dealerships, workshops, manufacturing partners and distribution services. You fine them till the point of bankruptcy and weigh that up against how much tax revenue they would lose and it really isn't worth it, not to mention all those people now not earning but out of work and potentially claiming benefits.
It's all very good from a moral standpoint to fine the hell out of them but It doesn't make economical sense which is what everything really comes down to.
As fiat are in the same boat I'd be interested to know if you think they should be fined to the point of bankruptcy which is a possibility as fiats finances are at best on a very uneven footing
In that case, I suppose every big company in the world should just do what it wants, and get away with it! I'm no tree hugger, but they should pay in a way that hurts for what they done. And yes, Fiat too. Although I believe it's Chryslers diesels is it not that are the issue? Though I know that's completely Fiats problem for buying them.
At least put all of the companies directors in jail and make them personally bankrupt for their role in it. After all, it's up to them to make sure this doesn't happen!!!