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Maybe because VW had somewhat of a reputation for being a good quality car manufacturer that would have no need to cheat and lie about their vehicles. Whereas cheating and lying is a common perception of Wall St firms in general.

This probably has nothing to do with that :)

http://priceonomics.com/porsche-the-hedge-fund-that-also-mad...

The former head of GS was US Treasury Secretary during the time these offenses took place. The former NY FRB (during the time these offenses took place) head was US Treasury Secretary in the immediate aftermath and beginning of investigations. The current US Treasury Secretary bet against MBS at Citigroup, which required a massive taxpayer bailout to survive.

When you can pull all the strings, you can do as you please.