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Comment by FabHK | Hacker News Reader

which is, btw, why many Germans were so absolutely furious about the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal - not only was it bad for the environment, but also severely damaged said German reputation for integrity and probity. The fury against these cheaters is palpable.

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On top of that, they were barely given a slap on the wrist in Germany whereas they had to pay out billions in the US. Even though they probably sold a lot more diesels in Germany than in the US, and Germans are feeling the pinch a lot more due to many cities banning diesels from inner city roads.

That whole thing was so stupid, though. A tempest in a teapot. US emissions regs are ridiculous and gaming them was the last possible outcome. The US brought this on itself as we always do, but it was more enterprising to blame the people tasked with pleasing both their corporate overlords and the regulators, a Faustian situation.

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.

> 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.

No, they're not ridiculous. They're also not impossible to achieve, see all the cars that manage without cheating.

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