Emissions Lies Haunt VW as It Faces Tougher Justice Department
- Government making `big deal' of company's emissions cheating
- GM, Toyota settled criminal charges without pleading guilty
VW Takes Unusual Step and Delays Earnings Report
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No one has died from the emissions-cheating software Volkswagen AG has admitted it installed in some of its cars, yet the U.S. Justice Department may treat it more harshly than two automakers whose vehicles have killed people.
General Motors Co. vehicles were fitted with faulty ignition switches linked to at least 124 deaths. Toyota Motor Corp. cars were involved in unintended acceleration responsible for at least four deaths. Neither had to plead guilty in settling criminal allegations, but Volkswagen may be forced to if it’s charged with criminal conduct and also wants to settle, according to attorneys who specialize in environmental law.