I think everyone on the planet is aware of the VW story, ie manipulating diesel car emissions tests in the States.
But the thing I find fascinating is the thought process behind it all. Did they really think they would get away with it, and how far up the food chain did it go to get approved?
Was it a meeting of engineers? Struggling to get the emissions down on an engine, when the new apprentice says for a joke, "I know, why don't we just fake it with some clever software, ha ha.."
"Klaus, zat idea is vonderbar, you are promoted to head engineer". At what point did the engineers, line manager, senior manager think, hmm that's wrong, illegal and we will all end up in hot water?
Is it a case of a business believing them to be so big that the rules don't apply to them? Is it just executive level arrogance?
Not seen the news since the headlines this morning, but if he hasn't already, I assume the CEO will be soon marched out the door, no doubt with a few more high profile dismissals.
Then at some level, no doubt quite senior, there will be a suitable scapegoat who will be thrown to the wolves, and spend the next 5 years tied up in court cases and eventually end up in jail.
Then a massive PR/propaganda campaign of executives who are flabbergasted and were completely unaware the practice took place, and the company will learn from its mistakes and move on. Assuming the long term damage isn't critical in which case we will see a rescue package is launched to save the worlds number 1 car maker from bankruptcy.
Sound familiar? Looks like big business arrogance has moved on from the banking industry and moved to the automotive 
Imagine a small business applying the same work ethics and practices?
I think VW will survive the initial crisis, but they must be worried about the long term legal bill.
