Why would it be "fantastically German"?
How badly I wish this was true in other parts of the world!
The law was changed in 2002, where it was still legal in non-German context and not concerning foreign public officers. Now that is illegal too.
That doesn't mean there is non though, I wish it was true in Germany as well.
I've never been to Germany, but from what I've read/heard, Germany will probably score pretty high by my standard
There's also things like John Stossel's short documentary on setting up businesses in HK and in India.
While I am against cheating, of course, I have to think that having all those cars junked just due to that scandal was a far bigger waste and far worse for the environment.
It was about sending a message. And probably also about the fact that VW is a foreign car manufacturer. Let's not forget the bailouts that the American car companies got just a few years ago.