Am I the only one who thinks this VW-case is friggin hilarious?
Ze Germans have been bashing the Greeks for nearly a decade for fingering the numbers, which consequently led to their economy imploding. This, according to ze Germans, is a sin that can never be forgiven.
And now it turns out that the symbol of German industrial might (VW) has been fingering their engine software to avoid taxes on emission and to get satisfy emission standards. If they have to pay back emission taxes AND fines for every single vehicle sold with these engines it can break VWs back.
In other words: Ze Germans (who historically have been such a beacon of morals and decency [pfffff]) can be thrown into depression because of their own lying cheating ways.
BTW: Congratulations to Greece for the reelection of Syriza! I know this isn't the reddest crowd, but it's heartening to see that the Greek people is standing strong and trying to change how things are done.
Pride goes before a fall.
germany was trying hard to set up an image of straigthness and reliability. the fact that this most epic fuck-up by vw can tear that image down shows that this de-glorification was overdue. german elite is as greedy as any other elite. more arrogant maybe, but as greedy.
i am not sure if the regular german has the slightest idea how seriously this fuck up is seen internationally.
Or how much it will cost. In Norway they may have to pay as much as $10000 in unpaid taxes and fines per vehicle if they are given the same rates as individuals. That is, if the cars are eligible for approval at all. If not, every customer will need full reimbursement; in addition to fines of course.
Now, Norway is a small country, but if we slam a 1-4 billion usd loss in their face I would dread to think what the rest of the world has to offer. Will Germany be begging us for forgiveness? How will it look like when they try to explain to Greece that VW is "too big to fail"?
I'm guessing they're gonna work on all fronts to minimize damage and come to some agreement on the EU level where they will be let off with a fine of a few billion, a small percentage of what they should have paid. But still, Tsipras has little to lose by telling them what's what if they keep rolling their eyes at him.
