Vehicle emissions standards in Europe are much weaker than those in the US. Even though a "defeat device" is technically against the rules, it seems unlikely t

Vehicle emissions standards in Europe are much weaker than those in the US. Even though a "defeat device" is technically against the rules, it seems unlikely that there will actually be fines or penalties for it. There isn't any environmental regulator in Europe with the same kind of powers that the EPA and CARB have. Legal action in Europe against VW looks more likely to be from the consumer protection angle. That is, customers were mid-sold vehicles that claimed to be compliant with emissions limits but in fact are not.