VW may have an easier ride in Europe than in US over emissions scandal

Brussels

VOLKSWAGEN (VW) is unlikely to face US-style fines in Europe over its emissions scandal because of a softer regulatory regime and its home country Germany's determination to protect its car industry, EU sources and legal experts say.

The carmaker has been embroiled in crisis since last September, when it admitted that it had cheated US emissions tests using software known as "defeat devices".

The US Justice Department is suing the German company for up to US$46 billion for allegedly violating environmental laws - though some legal experts expect the final settlement to be far lower.

Other countries have also acted. Brazil and Sout…