Volkswagen may be the current poster child for compliance problems in the automobile manufacturing industry, given its emissions-cheating scandal that instigated numerous other government investigations in its wake. But it would be unfair to single it out in an industry with a systemic problem of evading emissions regulations.

Over the last few months, enforcement authorities in various countries have launched investigations against numerous automakers relating to the same type of emission-cheating allegations that are still haunting Volkswagen.

Consider the following auto makers currently under investigation—and these are just the ones that have been made public:

Fiat Chrysler of America (FCA). The U.S. Department of Justice in May filed a civil complaint against FCA over allegations that it installed defeat devices in “at least eight software-based features” that affect the vehicles’ emission control system, the complaint states. That lawsuit follows an investigation by the EPA concerning irregularities with emissions from FCA diesel vehicles. FCA denies that it engaged in any deliberate scheme to cheat U.S. emissions tests and said it “intends to defend itself vigorously.”

Daimler Group. Also in May, German authorities raided several premises of Daimler, maker of Mercedes Benz, at several locations in Germany seeking evidence into allegations that “known and unknown employees” engaged in “fraud and criminal advertising relating to the possible manipulation” of diesel emissions systems, the company stated. Daimler said it is “fully cooperating with the authorities.”

PSA Group. In April 2017, French prosecutors opened a formal investigation into suspected emissions test-cheating by PSA Group after receiving a report from the French Economic Ministry’s fraud division. PSA has denied any wrongdoing and said it complies with all laws.

Renault. Earlier this year, French authorities raided the premises of Renault, seeking similar evidence that it equipped its vehicles with emissions-cheating software. The investigation came amid a special report by Agence France-Presse, which claimed to have obtained an investigative document from the Economy Ministry allegedly showing that Renault’s “entire chain of management,” including Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn engaged in the suspected fraud. Renault has denied the allegations.

Mitsubishi Motors. Last year, Japanese auto maker Mitsubishi admitted that it has been falsifying fuel efficiency tests for “improper conduct” in fuel consumption testing on products made by Mitsubishi for the Japanese domestic market, resulting in Japanese authorities raiding its offices. “Taking into account the seriousness of these issues, we will also conduct an investigation into products manufactured for overseas markets,” the company stated.

To be clear, each one of these investigations remains ongoing and may take years for them to be fully resolved. If Volkswagen is any indication of things to come, however, car makers are in for a long and bumpy ride.

The broader compliance question triggered by these investigations is whether cheating regulations is worth it in the end. If a significant number of companies in a certain industry are all cheating regulations, what competitive advantage is truly gained in the end, and at what cost?

Volkswagen alone has paid billions in penalties and settlements. Several of its senior executives face criminal charges in the United States, and dozens more face investigations in Europe. And just this month, German prosecutors widened their criminal investigation into Volkswagen’s Audi unit.

With the air starting to clear and the truth brought to bear, senior management in the auto industry should view the VW enforcement action in combination with all current industry-wide investigations as a cautionary tale that the “secret” of emissions cheating is officially out.

The broader compliance question triggered by these investigations is whether cheating regulations is worth it in the end. If a significant number of companies in a certain industry are all cheating regulations, what competitive advantage is truly gained in the end, and at what cost?

Are the cost savings of skirting regulations truly worth the cost of the regulatory fines and penalties that are likely to result? Is it worth the legal fees and settlements? Consumer trust? Reputational damage? Contributing in an astronomical way to environmental, health, and safety issues on a global scale?

As enforcement authorities, regulators, and independent researchers around the world continue to uncover defeat devices, it will be quite telling what the next few years will bring in the way of greater transparency, verification and oversight, and the consequential fines, penalties, and individual accountability that results.

Stay tuned.

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