Volkswagen was caught redhanded falsifying emissions data for its diesel engines. In a nutshell, the vehicles determined a running condition that was likely to be occurring during an emissions test and altered the engine parameters in order to pass. Once back on the road, the vehicles resumed normal operation which essentially emitted 40% more pollutants (far exceeding the tested amount). Presently, the company is facing billions in fines while having to recall over half a million vehicles.

An interesting thing to ponder is that these emissions standards are only present in the United States. Although cheating the test is unethical, the diesel engines are certainly efficient and have powered VWs driven responsibly to more than 800 miles per tank. Are the standards in the United States simply too strict for their own good?