So apparently Volkswagen admitted to rigging emission tests in the US with their diesel powered cars!  I mean I’m speechless and this is absolutely insane…

Volkswagen shares plunged by nearly 20 percent on Monday after the German carmaker admitted it had rigged emissions tests of diesel-powered vehicles in the United States, and U.S. authorities said they would widen their probe to other automakers.

German officials, alarmed at the potential damage the scandal could inflict on its car industry, urged Volkswagen to fully clear up the matter and said it would investigate whether emissions data had also been falsified in Europe.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said on Friday the world’s biggest carmaker by sales used software for diesel VW and Audi branded cars that deceived regulators measuring toxic emissions and could face penalties of up to $18 billion.

Source: Reuters

I’m sure this was known by the higher ups and there was probably a cost/benefit study done, so I’m sure VW is prepared for whatever fine they receive but damn I hope other countries follow suit and fine these guys to the max.  Sigh I don’t think any actual laws were broken so I don’t think individuals will be held accountable but we’ll see and let’s investigate all car manufacturers to see if VW was being stupid or if it’s an endemic thing.