Logo of German automaker Volkswagen. [File Photo: microbell.com]

Volkswagen is unlikely to face US-style fines in Europe over the company's emissions scandal, because of a softer regulatory regime and Germany's determination to protect its car industry.

VW has been embroiled in crisis since September 2015, when it admitted it had cheated US emissions tests using software known as "defeat devices."

The US Justice Department is suing the car maker for 46 billion dollars for allegedly violating environmental laws.

Brazil and South Korea have also imposed fines of over 10 million dollars on Volkswagen.

However so far, no European national authority has ordered any penalties.

Lawyers from the European Union say it would be a surprise if VW received any significant fines in the region.