Please note: governments can fine ... but will they pay it?
Does VW have factories in Brazil? Does Brazil have economic interests with VW?
Answer YES and not just a little!
Cf:
http://www.latribune.fr/entreprises-fin ... rique.html
Volkswagen announces three billion euros of investment between 2012 and 2016 in Brazil. The German is the second local player behind Fiat.
With its enormous war chest, Volkswagen aligns billions of investments. After the inauguration of a new factory in China last week, the German automotive group announced Thursday an investment of 4,1 billion dollars (3 billion euros) in Brazil over the period 2012-2016. After a meeting with Brazilian President Dilma Roussef, the boss of Volkswagen do Brasil, Thomas Schmall, indicated in particular that the German company would produce the new Golf VII there, for an amount of 236 million dollars (173 millions of euros).
You see what I mean? Are you punishing us? Ok no worries: we will punish you too ...
Then the fine of 13 M € is ridiculously low when we read these figures but:
a) they relate to VW Brazil (so the charge will necessarily be higher in proportion)
b) this is only the first fine