1- GM, Ford, Chrysler lobby congress to enact the strictest NOX limits in the world. While at the same time having lenient limits on other exhaust fumes killing thousands of people every year, so that we can continue our gas guzzling SUV and Pickup truck craze.

2- VW faced wtih dilemma. Stop selling diesels altogether, or go rogue and yolo your way through emission tests.

3- Get caught and fined.

Well played, GM, Ford, and Chrysler. GM, Ford, and Chrysler were behind in Diesel tech, so this as a great defensive move to thwart Japanase and European automotive competition.

Moral of the story is: You need good lobbyists if you wanna be successful here.